The Climate Pledge

The Climate Pledge

Funder: National Geographic Society and The Climate Pledge

Submission Deadline: May 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

Purpose: National Geographic and The Climate Pledge seek to turn the power of storytelling toward illuminating climate resilience and solutions around the world.

Overview

Stories and the people who tell them matter more than ever. At a time when the world is flooded by noise and competing causes, authentic storytelling is critical to cutting through the clutter and evoking emotion in ways that cause people to respond and act.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 18 or older
• Project start dates should be a minimum of six months after the submission deadline
• Applicants should have a strong understanding of and connection to the local context in which they are conducting their work
• The ideal candidate:
- Is a member of their local community - Lives in or near the areas where they conduct fieldwork - Speaks the local languages necessary to implement their projects - Has strong and/or long-standing relationships with stakeholders who can impact or are impacted by their work
• Only one project leadership application per person at a time
• Must submit a final report and media from any previous National Geographic Society grants before applying to lead a new project
• The individual responsible for carrying out the project should write the application and be listed as the project leader

What They Fund

Projects in:
• Science
• Conservation
• Storytelling
• Education
• Technology

Aligned with one or more focus areas:

Ocean: Explore, understand, and conserve marine and coastal systems

Land: Explore, understand, and conserve terrestrial and freshwater systems

Wildlife: Inspire and empower audiences to understand and protect wildlife, including animals, plants, and fungi

Human Histories & Cultures: Preserve cultural knowledge and understand human histories, cultures, diversity, and evolution

Planetary Health: Explore relationships and interdependencies between human health and the environment

Space: Explore and understand the universe

Support Beyond Funding

National Geographic Explorers receive more than just funding:
• Networking and connection opportunities with National Geographic and other Explorers
• Access to cutting-edge tools, technology, and training
• Enhanced impact and recognition through National Geographic's storytelling platforms

Restrictions & Compliance

• Zero tolerance for bribery and corruption: Must comply with U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.K. Bribery Act
• Government permissions: All required licenses, permits, and government approvals must be obtained through lawful, legitimate processes
• OFAC compliance: National Geographic complies with all U.S. Treasury OFAC embargoes and sanctions
• Restricted countries: Work in Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Crimea requires consultation with legal counsel for appropriate licensing
• Export compliance: Consultation required for export of certain items including encryption software

Contact

Email: funding@ngs.org

Additional Resources

• Eligibility criteria available
• Budget Guidelines: Level I and Level II Grants
• Legal Disclaimer available