Expedition grants
RGS grants support original fieldwork and research worldwide that advance geographical knowledge, with dedicated funding for polar, challenging, and humanitarian or scientific projects.
Funder: Royal Geographical Society
Due Dates: January 8, 2027: RGS Explore Grants | January 8, 2027: Gino Watkins Fund Awards | January 8, 2027: Neville Shulman Challenge Award | January 8, 2027: Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award
Funding Amounts: £500–£5,000 (RGS Explore Grants); up to £4,000 (Gino Watkins Fund); up to £10,000 (Neville Shulman Challenge Award); £2,000–£5,000 (Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award)
Summary: Supports overseas fieldwork, expeditions, and research that advance geographical knowledge, with dedicated grants for polar research, challenging journeys, and humanitarian/scientific projects.
Key Information: Multiple grant streams with different eligibility and focus areas; read individual scheme details carefully.
Description
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) offers a suite of expedition and fieldwork grants to support original, challenging, and inspiring geographical research and exploration worldwide. These grants encourage collaborative projects, with a strong emphasis on advancing geographical knowledge, fostering local partnerships, and supporting both early-career and experienced researchers. The various grant streams include the RGS Explore Grants, Gino Watkins Fund Awards (for polar regions), Neville Shulman Challenge Award (for challenging explorations), and the Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award (for humanitarian, scientific, or educational projects). Each stream has its own focus, eligibility requirements, and funding levels.
