Expedition grants
RGS grants support innovative overseas expeditions and fieldwork that advance geographical knowledge through original research and exploration.
Funder: Royal Geographical Society
Due Dates: January 8, 2027: RGS Explore Grants application deadline | January 8, 2027: Gino Watkins Fund application deadline | January 8, 2027: Neville Shulman Challenge Award application deadline | January 8, 2027: Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award application deadline
Funding Amounts: Most awards: £500–£5,000 (RGS Explore, Ran and Ginny Fiennes, Gino Watkins); up to £10,000 (Neville Shulman Challenge); typically 1-year projects
Summary: Supports original, challenging geographical expeditions and fieldwork worldwide to advance knowledge and inspire exploration.
Description
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) offers a suite of expedition and fieldwork grants to support teams and individuals undertaking ambitious, original overseas journeys that contribute to geographical knowledge. These awards are designed to foster exploration and research that integrate local collaboration, promote new insights into environments, cultures, and peoples, and encourage the next generation of explorers and field scientists. Multiple grant streams are available, each with distinct aims and eligibility requirements, but all share a commitment to supporting meaningful, independent fieldwork and challenging expeditions across the globe.
