Iluminating Climate Solutions Grant

• Eligibility Criteria: Open to individuals and organizations globally, including journalists, storytellers, scientists, educators, and conservationists with relevant project ideas.
• Type of Funding: Grant
• Target Region: Global
• Application Language: English

The National Geographic Society’s “Illuminating Climate Solutions” Request for Proposals supports storytelling and projects that highlight innovative and effective responses to climate change. The initiative seeks to showcase solutions that can inspire action and increase public understanding of climate resilience and sustainability.

The National Geographic Society and The Climate Pledge will support a global community of Explorers producing a portfolio of projects focused on climate resilience and solutions, creating a stunning storytelling legacy that will inspire business leaders and policymakers to take action toward a better world.

Thematics

Potential stories may be related to, but not limited to:

• Climate & Energy Transition: Carbon-free energy; Decarbonization
• Nature & Land Systems: Water stewardship; Nature-based solutions (biodiversity, restoration, adaptation); Regenerative agriculture; Food systems
• Built & Human Systems: Built environment; Climate migration; Public health; Social adaptation
• Adaptation in Extreme Weather: Hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, and flood

Eligibility 

• Storytellers who have lived in or have significant experience working in the communities where their proposed stories are focused, or demonstrate established collaborative relationships with local organizations and stakeholders in these communities will be prioritized.
• Applicants should show a record of successful media projects and must submit a portfolio (i.e. website) as part of their application packet.
• Applicants may request up to $100,000, though it is recommended that if you have five years or less of experience, you request up to $20,000.
• Budgets of successful proposals will include reasonable, well justified costs directly required to complete the project. Successful applicants may use awarded funds over the course of two years.
• All applications should explicitly state the plan for evaluating the impact of the proposed work.

How to apply 

Interested applicants should apply on this page no later than May 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM US-EDT.

For more information, please visit this page.