[National Geographic Society](https://www.nationalgeographic.org)

May 31, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, 11:59 PM ET)

Up to $20,000 per project; funds may be used over two years.

Supports creative storytelling projects highlighting the ecological, cultural, and spiritual interconnections of the Mekong River Basin, blending ancestral wisdom with modern science.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity supports storytellers in developing projects that reveal the interconnected ecological, cultural, and spiritual dynamics of the Mekong River Basin. The program seeks narratives across all mediums that elevate both ancestral knowledge and modern science. Priority themes include co-existence between humans and wildlife, hidden biodiversity, the nexus of nature and culture, resilience in the face of environmental pressures, water stewardship, urban-river relationships, and the experiences of diaspora communities. The aim is to uncover unique, deeply rooted stories that provide a holistic and resonant understanding of the Mekong’s landscape and its global significance. --- ## Due Dates - May 31, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications due by 11:59 PM ET) Funding notifications are expected to be shared with applicants in December 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Applicants may request up to $20,000 per project. - Funds may be used over a two-year period. - Budgets must include reasonable, well-justified costs directly required to complete the project. --- ## Eligibility - Priority is given to storytellers who have lived in, or have significant experience working in, the communities where their proposed stories are focused, or who demonstrate established collaborative relationships with local organizations and stakeholders. - Applicants must show a record of successful media projects and submit a portfolio (e.g., website) as part of their application. - All applications must explicitly state a plan for evaluating the impact of the proposed work. - First-time grant recipients will join the National Geographic Explorer Community and become eligible for future funding and additional resources. - The individual responsible for the project must be the applicant and listed as the project leader; only one proposal per project lead is permitted. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [National Geographic online funding portal](https://funding.nationalgeographic.org/s/fundingopportunity/119Hr000000bzwHIAQ/rfp-illuminating-the-mekong-river-basin). - Applications submitted via email or mail will not be accepted. - All applications must be in English, though English does not have to be the applicant’s primary language. - The project leader should prepare and submit the application. --- ## Additional Information - All first-time recipients will gain access to training courses, software tools, and other resources through the Explorer Community. - Two information sessions are offered: - April 23 at 9PM HK (9AM ET) [Register here](https://ngs-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wHEE8kQMSdqYgDhs0mIQcw) - May 5 at 10AM HK (May 4 at 10PM ET) [Register here](https://ngs-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YMPyd5JqRwibICPfQOgJpQ) --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Portal](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/rfp-mekong-river-basin) - [National Geographic Society Grants & Investments](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/) - [Apply Today](https://funding.nationalgeographic.org/s/fundingopportunity/119Hr000000bzwHIAQ/rfp-illuminating-the-mekong-river-basin) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Info | [National Geographic Society Contact Page](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/contact/) | | RFP Support | Use the “Contact Us” button within the Funding Portal and include “RFP – Illuminating the Mekong River Basin” in your subject line. | ---

Illuminating the Mekong River Basin

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