National Geographic Society Grants - Ocean Exploration & Discovery

Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-10 22:06

Level I grants up to USD 20,000 for early career scientists in marine sciences, in partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute. Includes berth space on RV Falkor (too). Also Level 2 grants for established researchers. Open to applicants worldwide.

Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/

Funding Details

Funder

National Geographic Society

Funding Goal

To fund bold, innovative, and transformative work by individuals (Explorers) in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology across focus areas including ocean, land, wildlife, human histories and cultures, planetary health, and space.

Funding Amount

Level I grants up to USD 20,000 for early career scientists; Level 2 grants for established researchers (amounts vary); project-specific RFPs with own budgets (up to 20.000 €)

Deadline

2026-06-24 (Fixed)

How to Apply

Apply to specific open RFPs via links on the grants page. Current opportunities include: Illuminating Climate Solutions (deadline May 25, 2026), Illuminating the Mekong River Basin (May 31, 2026), Common Waters coastal/riverine stewardship (May 31, 2026), Preserving Traditional Arts (June 4, 2026), Developing Future Ocean Stewards (opens June 1, deadline June 24, 2026). Email: funding@ngs.org

Target Region

Global

Contact

funding@ngs.org

Last Checked

2026-05-07 05:38

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Grants are awarded to individuals (Explorers), not to organisations — check if institutional applications are accepted for the specific RFP

Project Scope

• Project must align with at least one NGS focus area (Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human Histories, Planetary Health, Space)
• Check the specific active RFP for eligibility criteria, deadlines, and requirements

Required Documents

• Budget guidelines and template available at NGS website — review before applying
• Email funding@ngs.org with questions before applying

Constraints

• Different RFPs have different deadlines — multiple calls open simultaneously

Summary

The National Geographic Society Grants and Investments programme has supported scientific exploration, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology since 1888, awarding more than 15,000 grants to individual 'Explorers' worldwide. The programme funds people rather than organisations, building a global community of changemakers across six focus areas: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human Histories and Cultures, Planetary Health, and Space. Thematic scope is broad. In the ocean focus area, NGS supports exploration, understanding, and conservation of marine and coastal systems. Current and recent RFPs span storytelling about climate solutions, community-based coastal and riverine stewardship (in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions), ocean literacy, and Mekong River Basin issues. Past programmes have included partnerships with Schmidt Ocean Institute for early career marine scientists. Eligible activities vary by RFP and include scientific research, conservation projects, storytelling across media, educational initiatives, technology development, and community-based stewardship. Projects must align with at least one NGS focus area. The programme emphasises impact and innovation, not just academic outputs. Geographic scope is global. No specific regional restriction; open to applicants from around the world. Certain RFPs may have geographic focus (e.g., Mekong River Basin, coastal stewardship). Eligible applicants are primarily individuals (not organisations), referred to as Explorers. They may be scientists, conservationists, storytellers, educators, or technologists. Different grant levels target early career vs. established researchers. Budget guidelines and an application portal are available online. Institutional partnerships are handled separately. Funding amounts vary by programme. Level I grants are up to USD 20,000. Other RFPs may offer larger or different award structures. The programme does not primarily fund NGO operational costs or infrastructure.

Historical Context

National Geographic Society has awarded more than 15,000 grants since founding in 1888. Grants programme supports a community of Explorers. Level I grants specifically for early career scientists were offered in partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute, including berth space on RV Falkor (too). Programme runs multiple RFPs per year across different themes.

Why it was added

Major ocean exploration and marine education funder accessible to international researchers and NGOs

Sources

• https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/

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