[Royal Geographical Society](https://www.rgs.org)

February 2027 (Application deadline, projected)

£500–£5,000 per expedition; total project budget must be under £25,000; funding covers at least 20% of project costs.

Supports original, challenging overseas expeditions that advance geographical knowledge and foster meaningful local collaboration.

Minimum team size: 3; team leader must be UK-resident; fieldwork must last at least 4 weeks outside the UK.

--- ## Description RGS Explore Grants are designed to support teams undertaking original and ambitious overseas expeditions that advance geographical knowledge through independent fieldwork and meaningful partnerships with local stakeholders. The grant aims to inspire the next generation of explorers and field researchers, especially those planning their first overseas projects, by providing funding and institutional support for expeditions with a strong geographical focus and clear local relevance. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Grants range from **£500 to £5,000** per expedition. - The **total project budget must be under £25,000**. - The amount requested must cover **at least 20% of the project’s total cost**. - Equipment expenses should not exceed 20% of the total award except in exceptional, justified cases. --- ## Eligibility - **Team Requirements:** - Minimum of **three team members** (all must be aged 18 or over at the time of application). - **Team leader must be a UK-resident**. - Team members do not need to be Royal Geographical Society members to apply. - Team should demonstrate appropriate expertise and understanding of expedition planning. - **Project Requirements:** - Expedition must take place **outside the UK**. - **Fieldwork must last at least four weeks** (typically April–October, exceptions considered). - Project can be a component of a larger initiative but must have a standalone purpose. - **PhD fieldwork is not funded**; undergraduate and student teams are encouraged if the project is independent. - Not eligible: departmental fieldtrips, volunteering, charity fundraising, or commercial ventures. --- ## Application Process 1. Review the [guidance for Society grant applicants](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/guidance-for-society-grant-applicants/). 2. Complete the [RGS Explore Grants application form](https://www.rgs.org/media/czqk1afb/rgsibg_application_lastname.docx). 3. Submit your application and any enquiries by email to [grants@rgs.org](mailto:grants@rgs.org). 4. Provide **two references** (one from an in-country contact, neither should be part of the research team). 5. Shortlisted teams will be invited to an online interview (typically in March following the deadline). 6. Prepare to submit a detailed expedition plan, risk and ethics assessments, and commit to post-expedition reporting and dissemination. --- ## Additional Information - The grant is open to a wide range of geographical topics and destinations, provided there is a strong element of field research and local collaboration. - Past funded projects have included ecological, cultural, and environmental studies across diverse global regions. - Recipients are expected to share their findings with the Royal Geographical Society and the wider public. --- ## External Links - [RGS Explore Grants program page](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/expedition-grants/rgs-explore-grants/) - [Guidance for Society grant applicants](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/guidance-for-society-grant-applicants/) - [Application form (DOC)](https://www.rgs.org/media/czqk1afb/rgsibg_application_lastname.docx) - [Reference form (online)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeujZKAhsW1-9G_2KvBNIxM5INPNEUtfO7UUOMoebJSO7o3yg/viewform) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [grants@rgs.org](mailto:grants@rgs.org) | | Phone | +44 (0)20 7591 3000 | | Web Contact | [Contact RGS](https://www.rgs.org/about-us/contact-us/)| | Address | 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR, United Kingdom |

RGS Explore Grants

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