Expedition grants
RGS grants fund original fieldwork, expeditions, and research projects worldwide to advance geographical knowledge and understanding of environments, peoples, and places.
Funder: Royal Geographical Society
Due Dates: February 15, 2027 (RGS Explore Grants) | January 8, 2027 (Neville Shulman Challenge Award, Gino Watkins Fund Awards, Journey in Audio, Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award) | April 2, 2027 (Fieldwork Apprenticeships)
Funding Amounts: Typically £500–£10,000 depending on scheme; some awards up to £15,000; duration and amount vary by grant.
Summary: Supports original and challenging fieldwork, expeditions, and research journeys worldwide that advance geographical knowledge.
Key Information: Multiple grant streams for different career stages and expedition types; eligibility and application processes vary by award.
Description
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) offers a portfolio of expedition and fieldwork grants designed to support a wide range of geographical research, exploration, and storytelling projects. These grants enable individuals and teams to undertake original, impactful journeys that deepen understanding of the world's environments, peoples, and places. The programme encompasses support for overseas expeditions, polar research, humanitarian projects, audio storytelling, and opportunities for students and early-career researchers.
