Mars and its AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate brand are continuing their long-standing mission to support the sweet side of history. On Friday, February 20, 2026, during the annual Heritage Chocolate Society Gala Dinner in Washington, D.C., the company announced it awarded over $50,000 through the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grants.
The exact total of $52,800 was distributed across six grants designed to fund research and educational programming at historic sites, museums, and educational institutions nationwide.
The 2026 Grant Recipients
The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant program, which began in 2013, funds projects that focus on uncovering and sharing the history of chocolate’s impact on North America.
This year’s six grant recipients span across five states:
- Peoria Public Schools and Western Illinois University (Peoria and Macomb, IL)
- Levine Museum of the New South (Charlotte, NC)
- National WWI Museum and Memorial (Kansas City, MO)
- Fort Ticonderoga Association (Ticonderoga, NY)
- The Montpelier Foundation (Orange, VA)
- Historic Alexandria (Alexandria, VA)
“For 250 years, chocolate has played a constant and diverse role in American life, with its unique story woven through the pages of our nation’s history,” said Gail Broadright, Senior Director, Premium Brands and Properties for Mars Snacking.
A Legacy of Historical Storytelling
The grant program is a direct extension of the Heritage Chocolate Society, established in 2003 by the late Forrest E. Mars, Jr. The society gathers leaders from the nation’s most revered historic sites and museums to collaborate on historical education.
Since its launch, the grant program has awarded nearly $700,000 to support 69 distinct projects across 36 different organizations in North America. These projects highlight chocolate’s varied roles throughout American history—from its use as a nourishing morale-booster in military rations and early medicine, to its function as a method of currency, and eventually, its evolution into the sweet indulgence we know today.
This historical focus is also the backbone of AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate, a brand launched by Mars Snacking in 2006. The line of tasting squares, tablet bars, and gourmet hot cocoa features a flavor profile drawn directly from historical archives and is sold primarily in fine gift shops at historic sites and museums across the U.S. and Canada.
Why It Matters
This initiative showcases how a major CPG conglomerate can successfully blend corporate social responsibility (CSR) with niche brand marketing.
- Cultural Preservation: By funding museums and historical sites, Mars is directly supporting the preservation of North American heritage, particularly as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
- Authentic Brand Building: The grants provide credibility and an authentic backstory for the AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brand, proving it is not just a gimmick but a product rooted in serious historical research.
- Educational Outreach: The funded programs help educate younger generations about history through an accessible, universally loved lens—chocolate.
FAQs
What is the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant?
It is an annual grant program funded by Mars that awards money to institutions conducting research or educational programming related to the history of chocolate in North America.
How much was awarded in 2026?
Six organizations received a total of $52,800 in funding this year.
What is AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate?
It is an 18th-century-inspired chocolate brand created by Mars Snacking. It features historic flavor profiles and is sold at museums, historical sites, and online to help educate consumers about the history of chocolate.
About Source86
Source86 is your trusted destination for food industry news, corporate initiatives, and brand history. We track the philanthropic grants, brand marketing strategies, and educational programs that major food companies use to impact our communities.
Whether you are a history buff or a chocolate lover, Source86 keeps you informed. Contact us today to learn more.
SEO Metadata
- Meta Title: Mars Chocolate History Grants 2026: American Heritage Winners
- Meta Description: Mars and American Heritage Chocolate award over $50,000 in Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grants to six museums and historic sites. Read the full 2026 review.
- Slug:
mars-american-heritage-chocolate-history-grants-2026 - Focus Keyphrase: Mars Chocolate History Grants
- Alt Text (Featured Image): A display of American Heritage Chocolate products, including tablet bars and grated chocolate for baking, resting on a rustic wooden table next to antique historical documents.
Photo credit: Mars, Inc.
Alt Text (Secondary Image):
A group photo of the 2026 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant recipients standing together on stage at the Heritage Chocolate Society Gala Dinner.
