The goal of the Alive & Thrive (A&T) Grants Program (2009 to 2014) was to identify new solutions for scaling up effective and sustainable interventions to improve infant and young child feeding by linking research to program delivery. A&T awarded eight two-year grants in 2010 and four in 2011. The Grants Program was managed by the University of California, Davis.

The 12 studies supported by Alive & Thrive took place in nine low-income countries: Bangladesh (2), Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] (2), Haiti, Honduras, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, and Viet Nam. Five studies integrated their interventions into pre-existing programs such as well-child clinic visits for check-ups and immunizations, home gardens and poultry production, and microcredit. Four studies used fortified complementary food products (micronutrient powders and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements). Four studies used cell phones to provide breastfeeding support. Three studies retrained hospital staff in lactation management, and three studies provided breastfeeding support through group meetings. Other innovative intervention components included the use of radio to disseminate feeding messages, community breastfeeding knowledge contests for fathers, a complementary food cereal made from caterpillars, and hand sanitizers to prevent infection.