Research Program•Global

Developing Future Ocean Stewards

Funding

Grant

Program dates

Jan 1, 2027

The Developing Future Ocean Stewards request for proposals, run by the National Geographic Society, funds community-based projects that build emotional connections to the ocean and grow ocean stewardship through immersive learning experiences. Two funding levels are offered: Level I (up to US$20,000 over one year) and Level II (up to US$100,000 over two years). Applicants design and lead their own project; proposals are encouraged to align with regions tied to National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions destinations, and projects may take place around the world.

Benefits & funding

  • Level I grant: up to US$20,000, with the project completed within one year of receiving funds.
  • Level II grant: up to US$100,000 (projects average US$50,000–US$65,000), completed within two years.
  • Funds a self-designed community ocean-literacy and stewardship project, with a line-by-line justified budget.
  • Projects should not start before January 2027.
  • Focus regions tied to National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions destinations include the Arctic, Asia, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe and the Mediterranean, Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Eligibility

  • Open to applicants over the age of 18.
  • Applicants must demonstrate relevant education experience.
  • Applicants cannot be current National Geographic Society staff.
  • Level I: the applicant must NOT be a current National Geographic Explorer.
  • Level II: the applicant may be a National Geographic Explorer, but does not have to be.
  • No nationality, residency, or formal-degree requirement is stated — open to applicants worldwide.

Application process

  1. 1
    Read the official RFP page and the linked Application Guidance document in full before starting.
  2. 2
    Choose the funding level (Level I or Level II) and prepare a proposal covering the project summary, risks, the learners and community involved, methods, success metrics, and a justified budget.
  3. 3
    Submit the proposal through the National Geographic Society funding portal before the deadline.

Program timeline

  1. Applications open

    Jun 1, 2026

  2. Application deadline (11:59 PM EDT)

    Jun 24, 2026

  3. Earliest permitted project start

    2027-01