The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) has opened applications for the Food Policy Rapid Response Fund (RRF) — a global funding opportunity designed to advance evidence-based food and nutrition policies that promote healthier diets and protect public health.
This initiative supports one-year advocacy campaigns focused on reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and sweetened beverages, increasing access to nutritious foods, and defending existing policies that may be under threat. The program offers up to USD 200,000 in funding, as well as expert technical and strategic assistance to help organizations achieve meaningful policy outcomes within a 12-month timeframe.
The application deadline is Monday, November 10, 2025, at 23:59 EST.
About the Food Policy Rapid Response Fund
The RRF aims to accelerate legislative or regulatory action that addresses diet-related diseases and strengthens national food systems. It provides financial resources and advocacy expertise to civil society organizations working to influence healthy food policy reform.
Funded by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, an initiative of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the RRF operates in collaboration with the Bloomberg Philanthropies Food Policy Program.
Funding and Duration
Successful applicants will receive:
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Up to USD 200,000 in financial support
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A 12-month project duration
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Access to technical, strategic, and communications assistance from GHAI experts
Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity to manage the proposed budget and deliver impactful, evidence-informed advocacy.
Eligible Policy Areas
Each concept note must focus on one of the following five priority policy areas:
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Fiscal Policies – such as taxes on ultra-processed foods or sweetened beverages, or subsidies that make healthy foods more affordable.
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Front-of-Package Warning Labels (FOPWL) – requiring clear, visible nutrition labels to help consumers make informed decisions.
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Marketing Restrictions – comprehensive policies limiting the advertising of ultra-processed and sugary products.
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Public Procurement Policies – prohibiting the sale of ultra-processed foods in public institutions like schools, hospitals, and government facilities.
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National Food-Based Dietary Guidelines – promoting adoption of guidelines and nutrient profiles aligned with global best practices.
Proposals must focus on mandatory policy measures and be informed by credible, conflict-free scientific evidence.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be a civil society or non-governmental, not-for-profit organization legally registered in their country.
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Be based in a low- or middle-income country.
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Be legally able to receive foreign funding.
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Have experience managing advocacy campaigns and handling comparable budgets.
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Demonstrate independence from the tobacco, ultra-processed food, and sugary beverage industries.
Groceries
Joint applications involving up to three partner organizations are encouraged if each plays a complementary role.
However, government entities and for-profit companies are not eligible.
Country Eligibility
The RRF is not open to applicants from the Food Policy Program’s current priority countries:
Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Barbados, Jamaica, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana.
Organizations based in Ethiopia, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, China, the Philippines, and Thailand may apply only for projects under Area 1 (Fiscal Policies).
Evaluation and Selection Process
Concept notes will be reviewed by a panel of food policy experts based on:
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Alignment with one of the five policy areas.
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Feasibility and impact of the policy proposal.
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Evidence-based design and potential for public health impact.
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Demonstrated political will and advocacy opportunity.
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Organizational capacity and expertise.
