National Geographic Society

About National Geographic Society

National Geographic Society’s largest recent grant was a $1.25 million research award to Wildpath LLC, a signal that its giving still centers on field science, exploration, and mission-aligned research. Across the recent grants list, the society backs projects that combine scientific investigation with education, storytelling, and conservation action, often through named programs tied to specific disciplines or expeditions. Its portfolio includes wildlife work, ocean and freshwater protection, archaeology, and initiatives that use media or public engagement to extend project reach. The society also gives repeated support to certain grantees and programs. Conservation Through Public Health appears with both a 2024 research grant and a 2025 conservation grant, showing continuity across years and portfolio types. The Peregrine Fund Inc and Zambian Carnivore Programme each received multiple wildlife-conservation awards, while Blue Grass Community Foundation appears in several education and Azimuth grants. Other large awards went to Regents Of The University of California, Two Wolves Films LLC, and University Of California Santa Barbara, reflecting a mix of academic, nonprofit, and production partners. The foundation’s work is structured around explorers, projects, and targeted initiatives rather than a single grant theme.

What National Geographic Society Funds

In wildlife conservation, National Geographic Society backed Zambian Carnivore Programme with $450,000 for wildlife conservation and later added another $225,000 for the same purpose. The Peregrine Fund Inc also received $430,212 in 2024 and $349,047 in 2025 for wildlife conservation, indicating sustained support for species-focused fieldwork. Ocean and freshwater protection are another clear thread. University of Hawaii Foundation received $214,707 for Pristine Seas, and Appalachian State University received $222,100 for a Perpetual Planet-Mountains Expedition, linking the society’s grants to marine and watershed systems through expedition-based work. The society also funds public-facing science and education. Two Wolves Films LLC received $565,000 for storytelling, while Archaeology in the Community received $256,270 and $218,827 for education grants. Those awards show that the foundation supports both project research and the communication of scientific and historical work to broader audiences.

How National Geographic Society Gives