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

June 4, 2026

Up to $20,000 (Level I) or up to $40,000 (Level II); project duration: 1 year (Level I) or 2 years (Level II)

Supports projects that preserve and revitalize traditional arts through documentation, capacity building, and community-centered knowledge transmission.

Projects must be located in Baja California, Egypt, Europe/Mediterranean, Southeast Alaska/British Columbia, or the South Pacific.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports projects dedicated to safeguarding and revitalizing traditional arts—such as crafts, music, dance, adornment, and folklore—by centering the agency and participation of local and descendant communities. The grant seeks proposals involving documentation of artisan practices, capacity development through apprenticeships, workshops, or trainings, and knowledge-sharing initiatives such as community exhibits or archival collaborations. Projects must focus on sustainable transmission of cultural traditions across generations and demonstrate strong community engagement, ethical protocols, and respect for intellectual property. Both early-career and established practitioners are encouraged to apply, with proposals evaluated on feasibility, applicant experience, community engagement, capacity building, and innovative contributions to cultural heritage preservation. --- ## Due Dates - Submission Deadline: June 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT Awards are expected to be announced in December 2026. Recommended project start dates should be no earlier than January 1, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - **Level I Grants:** Up to $20,000 (for early-career applicants or those new to National Geographic grants; project duration up to 1 year) - **Level II Grants:** Up to $40,000 (for more established applicants or those seeking higher funding; project duration up to 2 years) - Indirect costs (overhead) may not exceed 15% of the proposed budget. - Funds are typically disbursed as a single payment to the project leader or their institution. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be at least 18 years old. - Projects must be located in one of the following regions: - Baja California - Egypt - Europe and the Mediterranean - Southeast Alaska and British Columbia - South Pacific - [See detailed targeted areas](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aiJNUkO8Dqx90bfCqL5Ou-DzzipkMRxx/view?usp=sharing) - The project leader should be an artisan or practitioner with deep ties to the relevant local culture(s), or such a person must be included on the project team. - Open to individuals regardless of institutional affiliation or nationality (except for countries under OFAC sanctions). - Only one application as project leader may be submitted at a time. - Previous National Geographic grantees must have closed prior grants before applying. - Applications must be completed in English. --- ## Application Process - Submit applications via the [National Geographic Society Grants Portal](https://funding.nationalgeographic.org/s/fundingopportunity/119Hr000000bycQIAQ/preserving-traditional-arts). - Select “Science” as the primary discipline and “Human Histories and Cultures” as the primary focus area. - Prepare a detailed project description, timeline, budget (using [budget guidelines](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Budget-Guidelines.pdf)), and justification. - Optional: include media samples or letters of support. - Attend an informational webinar (optional) for guidance: - [May 1, 10am-11am ET](https://ngs-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S8Dx0BmVRO6yuSllC4GEcg) - [May 14, 10am-11am ET (Spanish)](https://ngs-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q4AfsvOWSsGEvuCKMkqQlA) - [May 14, 4pm-5pm ET](https://ngs-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yIHkbw95TAK-TZRezwFECQ) - Applications are evaluated on applicant skills, project feasibility and impact, community engagement, and alignment with the funder’s mission. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be completed within one (Level I) or two years (Level II) of receiving funding. - Project start dates should be at least six months after the submission deadline (recommended not before January 2027). - Awardees join the National Geographic Explorer Community, gaining access to professional development, networking, and potential speaking opportunities. - Grants are taxable for U.S. citizens if received individually; consult a tax advisor as needed. - The funder complies with all relevant legal and ethical standards, including OFAC sanctions and anti-corruption laws. --- ## External Links - [Preserving Traditional Arts RFP Program Page](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/rfp-preserving-traditional-arts) - [National Geographic Society Grants & Investments](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/) - [Targeted Areas for Projects (DOCX)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aiJNUkO8Dqx90bfCqL5Ou-DzzipkMRxx/view?usp=sharing) - [Budget Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Budget-Guidelines.pdf) - [FAQ Document](https://docs.google.com/document/d/13nV9b7SR9onBaS4zu218724ALm283JmaWe0fj1Dzbb8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ev3s2bklenhh) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [funding@ngs.org](mailto:funding@ngs.org) | | Funder main contact page | [Contact National Geographic Society](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/contact/) | ---

Preserving Traditional Arts

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