March 18, 2025 – ATLANTA – The National Peanut Board is now accepting inquiries for its second annual request for proposals (RFP) for food allergy research grants. The call for applications is open through May 9, 2025. This year, NPB has increased the total availability of grant funding up to $550,000, which will be awarded to qualified projects designed to advance food allergy solutions. Interested applicants can submit a Letter of Inquiry here.
NPB prioritizes supporting groundbreaking research that drives significant impact in four key areas of food allergy with an emphasis on peanut: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management. Health equity is a primary lens through which projects will be evaluated, and early-career researchers are encouraged to apply.
“Research is a critical part of achieving the ultimate goal of ending peanut allergy, for farmers and for families,” said NPB President and CEO Ryan Lepicier. “After the successful inaugural process last year, the Board supports expanded funding to build our knowledge, improve transparency and increase the variety of projects we fund.”
One grant recipient will be further recognized with the Dee Dee Darden Award, honoring the passionate spirit of one of NPB’s early chairmen. With bold determination, Virginia peanut farmer Darden championed the thinking that if peanuts were part of the allergy problem, then farmers would be part of the solution. Darden sought out groundbreaking allergy research for the National Peanut Board to fund, including the early work of Dr. Gideon Lack, which led to today’s early introduction guidelines for peanut allergy prevention.
"Since the inception of the National Peanut Board, our farmers have prioritized advancing research, education and awareness related to peanut allergies,” said NPB Chair and Georgia peanut grower Casey Cox Kerr. “We are committed to being part of the solution along with our core partners in the allergy community. As a new mom myself, I am very passionate about this initiative and proud to be part of an organization that has been at the forefront of tackling this challenge."
More information about the 2024 grant recipients and Darden Award winner are available here.
Since 2001, the National Peanut Board has invested more than $38 million in food allergy outreach and research. NPB’s investment has contributed to landmark discoveries in peanut allergy prevention; the first FDA approvals of peanut allergy treatments; and best practices for allergy management in schools, foodservice and manufacturing. For more of the history of NPB’s support of food allergy solutions, check out Finding a Solution to Peanut Allergies: A 20-Year Journey of Courage, Innovation and Luck.
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About the National Peanut Board
The National Peanut Board represents USA peanut farmers and their families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information about the Board, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.
