We fund and support groundbreaking scientists, conservationists, educators, and storytellers. Every one of them is a National Geographic Explorer – infinitely curious about our planet, committed to understanding it, and passionate about helping make it better.
Every year we give out hundreds of grants to bold people with transformative ideas. These grant recipients are–and have always been–the heart and soul of what we do.
We honor the most outstanding achievements of our Explorers, as well as other groundbreakers, through four special awards.
We support key programs focusing on understanding our human story, studying our changing planet, and protecting its most critically threatened species and habitats.
top image (Adjany Costa): James Kydd/National geographic; Emerging Explorers: Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim; Explorers in the classroom: Winn brewer/National Geographic