Expedition grants
The Royal Geographical Society offers grants for innovative fieldwork and expeditions that advance geographical knowledge through original research and exploration worldwide.
Funder: Royal Geographical Society
Due Dates: January 8, 2027 (Gino Watkins Fund, Journey in Audio, Neville Shulman Challenge Award, Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award) | February 15, 2027 (RGS Explore Grants) | April 2, 2027 (Fieldwork Apprenticeships)
Funding Amounts: £500–£10,000+ depending on scheme; most expedition grants and awards range from £500 to £5,000 (RGS Explore Grants), up to £10,000 (Neville Shulman), and £4,000 (Gino Watkins Fund, Ran and Ginny Fiennes, Changemakers Accelerator).
Summary: Supports innovative, independent, and challenging geographical fieldwork and expeditions worldwide to advance geographical knowledge and exploration.
Key Information: Multiple schemes for individuals and teams at different career stages; most deadlines are annual in January–April.
Description
The Royal Geographical Society offers a portfolio of expedition and fieldwork grants designed to support original, challenging, and inspiring geographical research and exploration globally. These grants enable individuals and teams to undertake fieldwork, expeditions, and creative projects that advance geographical understanding, often involving collaboration with local communities and dissemination of findings. The program encompasses a range of awards targeting different career stages and project types, from undergraduate fieldwork apprenticeships to major research expeditions, polar exploration, humanitarian projects, and audio storytelling initiatives.
