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

May 25, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

Up to $100,000 per project; applicants with ≤5 years experience recommended to request up to $20,000; funding may be used over two years.

Supports storytellers highlighting global climate resilience and solutions through impactful, human-centered narratives.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, offered by the National Geographic Society in partnership with The Climate Pledge, supports storytellers who illuminate climate resilience and solutions around the world. The program seeks compelling, human-centered narratives that move beyond statistics to showcase communities adapting to climate change, innovators developing new solutions, and the tangible impact of climate action. Projects may address topics such as energy transition, nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, climate migration, public health, and adaptation to extreme weather. The goal is to inspire business leaders and policymakers toward meaningful action for a sustainable future through authentic storytelling. --- ## Due Dates - May 25, 2026: Full application submission deadline (11:59 PM US-EDT) --- ## Funding Amount - Applicants may request up to $100,000 per project. - For those with five years or less of experience, it is recommended to request up to $20,000. - Awarded funds may be used over a period of up to two years. - Budgets must be reasonable, well-justified, and directly related to project completion. --- ## Eligibility - Open to both existing National Geographic Explorers and new applicants. - Priority will be given to storytellers who: - Have lived in or have significant experience working in the communities where their stories are focused, or - 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 the application. - Each applicant may submit only one proposal as project lead. - All applications must be submitted in English, but English does not have to be the applicant’s primary language. - The individual carrying out the project must write the application and be listed as the project leader. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [National Geographic online portal](https://funding.nationalgeographic.org/). - Emailed or mailed applications will not be accepted. - Required materials include a portfolio of previous work and a detailed budget. - All applications should include a plan for evaluating the impact of the proposed work. - First-time grant recipients will join the National Geographic Explorer Community and gain access to training, software tools, and resources. --- ## Additional Information - The program welcomes a wide range of story topics, including but not limited to: - Climate and energy transition, decarbonization - Nature-based solutions, biodiversity, restoration, regenerative agriculture, food systems - Built environment, climate migration, public health, social adaptation - Adaptation to extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, floods) - Awardees become eligible for future National Geographic funding opportunities. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & RFP](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/rfp-the-climate-pledge) - [National Geographic Society Grants Overview](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/) - [Application Portal](https://funding.nationalgeographic.org/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [funding@ngs.org](mailto:funding@ngs.org) (Subject: RFP Illuminating Climate Solutions) | | Funder Main Contact | [National Geographic Society Contact Page](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/contact/) |

Illuminating Climate Solutions

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