National Geographic Society Grants

Overview

The National Geographic Society funds individuals whose work in science, conservation, storytelling, education or technology advances its focus areas, from ocean and land to wildlife, human histories, planetary health and space. The programme has moved from an open call to time-bound requests for proposals: each open RFP names its own scope, budget, eligibility and deadline, and applications go through the Society's funding portal. Grants go to the person leading the project, not to an institution applying on their behalf, and the Society has awarded more than sixteen thousand grants since 1888.

Who it's for

It is for project leaders with a specific, field-based question and a real connection to the place they study. The Society looks for people who live in or near their field area, speak the local language and hold relationships with the communities affected by the work. Independent researchers, storytellers, educators and early-career explorers fit; a large institution seeking core funding does not. You must be at least eighteen and may lead only one proposal at a time.

What you get

Funding is tailored to the RFP rather than to fixed tiers, so the amount and the allowed costs depend on the call you answer. Beyond the grant, selected explorers join a global community that offers training, tools, media exposure and introductions to other grantees. The Society also promotes the work through its storytelling channels, which for many projects matters as much as the money. Read the budget guidelines attached to the RFP before you cost the project.

How to apply

Browse the open RFPs, choose the one whose scope matches your project, and apply from that posting. First-time applicants create an account on the National Geographic Funding Portal; returning applicants sign in. The form asks for the project description, budget, collaborators and expected outcomes. Applications sent by email or post are not accepted, and a general project idea cannot be submitted without a matching RFP. You must file a final report on any earlier Society grant before leading a new one.

Timing

Periodic. The Society publishes RFPs through the year, each with its own deadline, and project start dates are expected to fall at least six months after submission. There is no single annual window, so check the official page for the current calls.

How to stand out

Match the proposal to one RFP instead of rewriting a favourite idea for every call. Show the local evidence: who you will work with, what access you already have and what the community gains. Budget realistically and explain each line, because reviewers compare the budget with the stated outcomes. A small, well-evidenced project with named partners reads better than an ambitious plan with no field history.

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