National Geographic Society

Charity Number: CUSTOM_3B8E6B9D

Annual Expenditure: £112.4M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $112.4 million (2024 new commitments)
  • Success Rate: Highly competitive (specific percentage not publicly disclosed)
  • Decision Time: 4-6 months
  • Grant Range: $20,000 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: International (accepts applications worldwide)
  • Total Grants Awarded Since 1888: 15,000+

Contact Details

Website: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/funding-opportunities/grants/

Email: funding@ngs.org

Address: 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

Note: This is a US-based 501(c)(3) organization, not a UK registered charity. However, it accepts applications from individuals worldwide, including the UK.

Overview

Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Since awarding its first grant in 1890, the Society has supported over 15,000 Explorers across all seven continents. In 2024, the organization secured $112.4 million in new philanthropic commitments, marking the third consecutive year of raising over $100 million. Led by CEO Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler (the first woman to hold this position, appointed in 2020), the Society invests 100% of donor contributions directly into mission-driven work. The organization's strategic approach focuses on funding bold individuals and transformative ideas that further understanding of our planet and empower solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future. The Society is committed to funding a diverse and globally representative cohort of Explorers from historically and currently underrepresented and underserved populations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Level I Grants: $10,000 - $20,000

  • For one-year projects
  • Open to individuals entirely new to the National Geographic Society network
  • Includes unique opportunities for training, networking, coaching, and mentorship
  • For those working to establish themselves in their field and gain more project leadership experience
  • Application method: Online portal only, fixed deadlines throughout the year

Level II Grants: Up to $100,000

  • For projects up to two years long
  • Available to more established applicants (previous National Geographic grants not required)
  • Highly competitive and reserved for select projects that push boundaries to achieve significant and tangible impact
  • Smaller funding requests accommodated and equally competitive
  • Application method: Online portal only, fixed deadlines throughout the year

Meridian Grant Program: Collaborative grants up to $1.5 million total funding

  • Supports collaborative projects involving multiple Explorers
  • Recent round funded 10 projects with 36 Explorers from 11 countries

Priority Areas

Projects must incorporate science, storytelling, and/or education, and align with one or more of the Society's focus areas:

  • Ocean: Marine conservation and exploration
  • Land: Terrestrial ecosystems and conservation
  • Wildlife: Species protection and biodiversity
  • Human History & Cultures: Cultural preservation and anthropological research
  • Human Ingenuity: Innovation and technology for planetary health
  • Planetary Health and Space: Environmental health and space exploration

The Society particularly welcomes projects that demonstrate clear, tangible impact and push the boundaries of their respective fields.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated in available sources, the Society focuses exclusively on projects that align with their five priority areas listed above. Projects should have clear scientific, educational, or storytelling components related to understanding and protecting the planet.

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Governance and Leadership

Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler - Chief Executive Officer (First woman CEO, appointed 2020)

  • Quote on leadership approach: “Pilot and pivot” - encouraging staff to try things, figure out what works, continue dialogue and work to get it right
  • On servant leadership: References Robert Greenleaf's 'The Servant as Leader' and the importance of leaders using their platforms to inspire others
  • On the Society's history: "For 136 years, we've awarded grants to explorers around the world—more than 15,000 to date"

The Society emphasizes servant leadership principles and maintains a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and global representation in its funding decisions.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  • Application Method: Online portal only at nationalgeographic.org
  • Mailed or emailed applications are NOT accepted
  • The individual carrying out the project should write the application and be listed as project leader
  • Include at least one local collaborator significantly involved in the project if working outside your home country or community

Decision Timeline

  • Application to Decision: Approximately 4-6 months
  • Minimum Project Start Date: Six months after submission deadline to ensure awarded funds are received in time
  • Example Timeline: Applications submitted in April receive decisions by August (approximately 4 months)
  • Notification Method: Not specified in available sources; contact funding@ngs.org for specific questions

Success Rates

The Society describes its grants as “highly competitive” but does not publicly disclose specific acceptance rates or success percentages. In the Meridian Grant Program's recent round, 10 projects were selected from over 80 applications (approximately 12.5% success rate for that specific program).

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly detailed. However:

  • Applicants may submit a proposal as project leader for only one project at a time
  • Must submit a final report and media from any previous grants before applying to lead a new project
  • Individuals who have already received a grant are NOT eligible for Level I Grants
  • For specific reapplication questions, contact funding@ngs.org

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Funder

For Level I Grants, the Society states: “Priority is given to applicants who thoughtfully demonstrate how joining the Explorer Community will help to establish their career.”

The Society “warmly welcomes and encourages applicants from historically and currently underrepresented and underserved populations to apply” and is “committed to funding a diverse and globally representative cohort of Explorers.”

Recent Funded Projects (2025 Examples)

  1. Cloud Forest Conservation, Mexico: Collaboration with small landholders to conserve old-growth cloud forest tree species in La Antigua watershed, Veracruz
  2. Tijuca Forest Conservation, Brazil: Using conservation and storytelling to emphasize the significance of Tijuca Forest to Rio de Janeiro's urban residents and advocate for preservation
  3. Pristine Seas Program: Discovered the world's largest coral in the Solomon Islands (2024)

Key Success Factors

  • Integration of Multiple Approaches: Projects that combine science, storytelling, and/or education are prioritized
  • Clear Impact: Demonstrate how your project will achieve “significant and tangible impact” in your field
  • Career Development (Level I): Thoughtfully articulate how joining the Explorer Community will advance your career
  • Collaboration: Include local collaborators when working outside your home country/community
  • Diversity and Representation: Applications from underrepresented populations are actively encouraged
  • Boundary-Pushing Work: Level II grants are reserved for projects that “push the boundaries” of their field

Common Terminology

The Society uses specific language that applicants should incorporate:

  • “Explorer” (rather than grantee or researcher)
  • “Transformative ideas”
  • “Bold people”
  • “Tangible impact”
  • “Healthier and more sustainable future”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. US-Based But Globally Accessible: While a US organization, the Society actively funds Explorers worldwide, including UK applicants
  2. Choose the Right Level: Level I is specifically for those new to National Geographic; if you've received previous funding from them, you must apply for Level II
  3. Six-Month Lead Time Essential: Plan for project start dates at least six months after application deadlines to accommodate the review process
  4. Demonstrate Career Impact: Especially for Level I grants, clearly articulate how National Geographic support will establish or advance your career
  5. Embrace the Explorer Identity: Use the Society's language and demonstrate alignment with their community-building approach
  6. Integration is Key: Strongest applications integrate science with storytelling and/or education rather than focusing on just one element
  7. Be Specific About Impact: Move beyond general goals to articulate concrete, measurable outcomes that “push boundaries” in your field
  8. Leverage the Network: Highlight how you'll engage with and contribute to the National Geographic Explorer community

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References