About

Applications are now open for the National Geographic Society Grants Program to illuminate and protect the wonder of their world.

The National Geographic Society’s Grants Program provides seed funding and support to early career individuals, as well as those more advanced in their careers, who are working to address critical challenges, advance new solutions, and inspire positive transformation across all seven continents.

The National Geographic Society warmly welcomes and encourages applicants from historically and currently underrepresented and underserved populations to apply. National Geographic is committed to funding a diverse and globally representative cohort of Explorers. The National Geographic Society does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, or handicap.

Funding Information

• Level I grants receive funding up to $20,000 and offer unique opportunities for training, networking, coaching, mentorship, and more from fellow National Geographic Explorers, experts, staff, partners, and forums.

• Level II grants are extremely competitive and recipients receive funding up to $100,000. At this funding level, grantees will provide mentorship within the Explorer community, contribute their expertise, and participate in relevant speaking engagements upon request.

What they Fund?

• Funded projects will incorporate science, storytelling, and/or education, and must align with one or more of the Society’s five focus areas:

  • Ocean

  • Land

  • Wildlife

  • Human History and Cultures

  • Human Ingenuity

Eligibility

• Level 1:If you are working to establish yourself in your field, hope to gain experience leading projects, are interested in joining the National Geographic Explorer community, and have not yet received a grant from the National Geographic Society, you may apply for a Level I Grant for one-year long projects.

• Level 2: If you are more established in your field, have previously received a grant from the National Geographic Society, or are seeking a higher level of funding, you may apply for a Level II Grant. You are not required to have previously received a grant from the National Geographic Society to apply for this opportunity. These grants are highly competitive and reserved for select projects that push boundaries to achieve significant and tangible impact in your field. Projects can be up to two years long.

• Anyone can apply for this grant, including National Geographic Explorers as well as those new to the community. Although applicants must be 18 or older at the time they submit their application, there are no restrictions related to minimum years of experience in their discipline. However, as this level is highly competitive, applicants should make a strong case for why their project is relevant and impactful, and why they are best suited to carry out the work.

• You must be 18 or older to apply for a National Geographic Society grant.

• Project start dates should be a minimum of six months after the submission deadline to ensure any awarded funds are received in time.

• If you are working on a project outside your home country or community, you must include at least one local collaborator on your team who is significantly involved in the project.

• You may submit a proposal as the project leader for only one project at a time.

• You must submit a final report and media from any previous National Geographic Society grants for which you were the leader before applying to lead a new project.

• The individual responsible for carrying out the project should write the application and be listed as the project leader.

Post Date: 20-May-2022