National Geographic Society-Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fund

In 2020, the National Geographic Society (NGS) and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) established a partnership to recognize a decades-long working relationship and to increase impact by capitalizing on shared strengths and resources. A major goal of this partnership is to implement a grantmaking fund for individuals (Canadian citizens and others) working in Canada. 

NGS and RCGS are excited to launch this opportunity and to invite eligible individuals to apply for funding for an Exploration Grant (for experienced project leaders) or an Early Career Grant (for less experienced individuals), both of which are publicly available grant opportunities on the NGS website. The NGS-RCGS Fund welcomes project proposals in any of the areas we fund: conservation, education, research, technology, or storytelling. Proposals will be reviewed through NGS’s competitive grant process.

Successful applicants will receive an email from their NGS Program Officer with a customized RCGS/NGS Grant Agreement. Grantees will be directed to RCGS who will administer payment-related paperwork and directly disburse the funds. Grant recipients of this fund will be considered National Geographic Explorers and will enjoy the full benefits of this title, including access to events, training opportunities, and networking. Grantees will also carry the title of Royal Canadian Geographical Society Explorers.

To apply for an Exploration Grant or an Early Career Grant with a project in Canada focused on conservation, education, research, technology, or storytelling please login to the grants portal.

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, NGS has funded groundbreaking scientists, explorers, educators, and storytellers, and shared their findings with the world. NGS’s first fieldwork project in Canada occurred more than a century ago. Since then NGS has given hundreds of grants to both Canadian citizens and international awardees performing fieldwork in the country. 

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) was founded in 1929 with the mission of making Canada better known to Canadians and to the world. The vision of RCGS is to help Canadians chart a successful future by fostering a greater understanding of Canada’s geography – the diverse human and physical landscape – as well as changes affecting its people and the environment.