NEWARK, N.J.—Mars awarded six institutions, located in the U.S. and Canada, its Forrest E. Mars Jr. Chocolate History Grant, according to a news release. Winners were announced at a gala hosted at the Heritage Chocolate Society, which seeks to further the study of chocolate's diverse history and its impact on past and present culture in the Americas. Since the grant program’s inception in 2013, Mars has awarded more than $400,000 in grant funds.

“Mars is proud to have awarded grant funds to over 46 cultural and educational institutions over the past 10 years. This has resulted in continued chocolate history research, discovery and development of educational programs that have impacted thousands of people across North America, bringing better moments to people through the rich history of chocolate,” said Gail Broadright, senior director digital sales, marketing and user experience, Mars Wrigley. “This year's grant winners will continue to contribute to the evolving global story of chocolate in people's lives.”

Mars Wrigley awarded grants to the following institutions:

• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
• New York Historical Society
• Henderson State University
• Fortress Louisbourg Association
• We Make History