Summary : International Foundation for Science (IFS) supports scientific capacity building in developing countries. It gives research grants and supporting services to young scientists at the beginning of their research careers. IFS was established as a non-governmental organization in 1972, is funded by more than 15 donor organisations and has provided over 5,500 grants to researchers in 100 countries. IFS identifies promising young scientists from developing countries and supports them in their early careers to help them become established and recognised nationally and internationally. Grants are approved through a careful selection process, relying on a broad network of world-renowned scientists who assess the scientific and developmental value of all proposals. They provide suggestions and feedback to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. Recognizing that science and technology capacity has not evolved to the same extent in all developing countries, IFS is now focusing its support on scientists in countries still lacking a solid base for national science and technology training. Targeted activities and strategic partnerships with key organizations in the South are included in this approach. Grants and supporting services are provided for research projects in areas such as agriculture, animal health and production, forestry, aquatic resources, food science, natural products and water resources.