American Keystone Species Grant

The American Keystone Species Grant supports conservation efforts focused on vital ecological, cultural, and economic species in the U.S. and territories. Funded by the National Geographic Society, the grant offers up to $20,000 for projects that enhance understanding and management of these keystone species. Recipients will join a community of National Geographic Explorers, gaining access to valuable resources and networking opportunities to foster impactful conservation practices.

These American Keystones—such as large predators, migratory herds, salmon, cod, and giant kelp—have sustained societies, driven conflict and colonization, and sparked unity through contemporary conservation and restoration efforts.
Today, modern academic research is shining new light on the critical roles that American Keystones play in holding ecosystems together, with increasing recognition of Indigenous knowledge and the role of Native American practices in sustaining them.
The National Geographic Society, in collaboration with the University of California Berkeley, has launched a rigorous search effort to identify individuals in the United States and territories implementing conservation research or applied conservation projects focused on ecological, cultural, or economic keystone species and their habitats.
Benefits
Receive up to $20,000 USD to implement the project within one to two years of receipt of funding.Grant recipients become National Geographic Explorers, join the Explorer Community, and are eligible for future learning, capacity building, and networking opportunities.

Eligibility

Who Should ApplyIndividuals working on projects focused on implementing conservation actions or conducting research intended to inform the conservation and management of ecological, cultural, or economic keystone species in the United States and territories.Ecological keystone: a species with a disproportionate impact on an ecosystemCultural keystone: a species with a disproportionate impact on cultural identityEconomic keystone: a species with a disproportionate impact on economic development.These grants are available to individuals new to the National Geographic network, as well as individuals in the network but not yet Explorers, including team members on previous grants and recipients of discretionary funding opportunities.