Research Grants (National Geographic Society)

Research Grants (National Geographic Society) is sponsored by National Geographic Society. Grants are provided to investigators with advanced degrees for scientific field research and exploration, including astronomy.

Grants and Investments - National Geographic Society We have awarded more than 16,000 grants since our founding in 1888. National Geographic Explorers are a community of changemakers from around the world working to support our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Our Explorers are people of all walks of life from all over the world.

They don’t just venture to the tops of mountains or the bottom of the ocean. They’re also in the lab diving into the microscopic world, in local communities capturing stories, or in the classroom sharing their discoveries with the next generation. Bold, Innovative, Transformative Work We fund individuals working on projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education and technology that align with one or more of our focus areas.

And we don’t just support their incredible work. We actively seek to help them network, connect and learn with National Geographic and each other, empower them with cutting-edge tools, technology and training, and further their impact and recognition through our storytelling. A grant from the National Geographic Society means more than just funding!

Learn what it really means to be a National Geographic Explorer and get to know our community. We offer grant opportunities at various entry points to provide a dynamic pathway to join our community and engage with us.

Whether you are an aspiring Explorer or already a luminary in the field, each opportunity has unique criteria and benefits to ensure that our Explorers receive support and funding aligned to their specific needs and goals. Each year, a small number of grants are awarded to individuals who are just beginning their National Geographic journey, as well as those who are working on more advanced projects.

Here are our current opportunities: Apply by September 23, 2026 Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics and the Ecology of the Okavango River Basin Our Approach to Grantmaking The National Geographic Society has a celebrated history of supporting changemakers around the world who illuminate and protect the wonder of our planet.

Historically, our grants program was structured around an "open call" application model to support general exploration, research, conservation, storytelling and technology initiatives. To maximize our collective impact, the National Geographic Society has transitioned from an open-call model to a specific Request for Proposals (RFP) style Grants Program.

How the Grants Program Works Our grantmaking is now driven by distinct, time-bound RFPs designed to address specific environmental, cultural and scientific priorities. Targeted Scopes: Each funding opportunity features a unique grant posting outlining the specific goals, criteria and outcomes we are looking to support.

Aligned Funding: Rather than applying to generic tiers (like our historical Level I or Level II funding levels), project budgets and funding amounts are tailored to the parameters specified within each active RFP. Eligibility & Deadlines: Because every RFP is unique, eligibility requirements, geographic focuses and submission deadlines will vary by opportunity.

All applications must be completed and submitted through the National Geographic Funding Portal. Project applications must be submitted to a specific funding opportunity and should meet the unique scope of the chosen RFP. We do not accept general project applications or submissions shared via email or mail.

Step 3. Start the Specific RFP Application — Once logged into the Funding Portal, navigate to your chosen RFP and click the Apply button to begin the online grant funding application. Step 4.

Submit via the Funding Portal — Complete the required project, budget, and collaborator information directly within the online application. Ensure your application is fully submitted through the portal before the stated RFP deadline.

Please note: because the application requirements are specific to the unique scope of each RFP, we strongly recommend thoroughly reading the guidelines for your chosen opportunity before starting your application in the Funding Portal. View our budget guidelines. General Eligibility Criteria 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. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of, and connection to, the local context in which they are conducting their work.

Many National Geographic Explorers: Are members of their local communities Live in or near the areas where they conduct fieldwork, Speak the local languages necessary to implement their projects, [or] Have strong and/or long-standing relationships with stakeholders who can impact or are impacted by their work 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.

The National Geographic Society has zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting such conduct including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act.

Grantees may not: offer or give anything of value to a government official or any other person as an incentive to, or in exchange or as a reward for, obtaining an improper advantage for National Geographic; or give, offer, solicit or accept anything of value that is intended to induce the recipient to violate his/her duty of loyalty to his/her employer.

All licenses, permits and other government permissions or approvals required to carry out a grant must be obtained through the lawful, legitimate process of the country where the grant activity occurs. The National Geographic Society complies with all embargoes and sanctions established by the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC).

If any work under the proposed grant will be performed in countries including but not limited to Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Crimea, you must consult your legal counsel to ensure that an appropriate general license is available, or a specific license has been obtained, allowing the grant activity to take place.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce must be notified when certain items are exported (including encryption software standard on all computers). You must consult with your legal counsel and comply with all export requirements applicable to the grant work. If you have additional questions after reviewing the materials above, please visit the National Geographic Support Center .