Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

National Geographic is funding research proposals in the following fields: Conservation, Education, Storytelling and Technology. 

There are two options to apply:

•  Level I Funding
•  Level II Funding

Level I Funding

If you are working to establish yourself in your field, hope to gain experience leading projects, are interested in joining the National Geographic Explorer community, and have not yet received a grant from the National Geographic Society*, you may apply for a Level I Grant. Funding requests at this level can be up to USD $20,000. Projects can be up to one year in length, although projects with “Technology” as the primary focus can be up to two years. 

Level II Funding

If you are more established in your field, have previously received a National Geographic Society grant, or are seeking a higher level of funding, you may apply for a Level II Grant. You are not required to have previously received a National Geographic Society grant to apply for this opportunity. These grants are highly competitive and reserved for select projects that push boundaries to achieve significant and tangible impact in your field. Projects can be up to two years long. 

Level II Grant recipients receive funding up to USD $100,000. Smaller requests will be accommodated and will not be more or less competitive. At this funding level, grantees will provide mentorship to others within the Explorer community, contribute their expertise, and may participate in relevant speaking engagements upon request.

Eligibility

• Project start dates should be a minimum of six months after the submission deadline to ensure any awarded funds are received in time.
• If you are working on a project outside your home country or community, you must include at least one local collaborator on your team who is significantly involved in the project.
• You may submit a proposal as the project leader for only one project at a time.
• You must submit a final report and media from any previous National Geographic Society grants for which you were the leader before applying to lead a new project.
• The individual responsible for carrying out the project should write the application and be listed as the project leader.

Important notes: 

The National Geographic Society has zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting such conduct including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act. Grantees may not: offer or give anything of value to a government official or any other person as an incentive to, or in exchange or as a reward for, obtaining an improper advantage for National Geographic; or give, offer, solicit or accept anything of value that is intended to induce the recipient to violate his/her duty of loyalty to his/her employer. All licenses, permits and other government permissions or approvals required to carry out a grant must be obtained through the lawful, legitimate process of the country where the grant activity occurs.

The National Geographic Society complies with all embargoes and sanctions established by the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC). If any work under the proposed grant will be performed in countries including but not limited to Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Crimea, you must ensure that an appropriate general license is available, or a specific license has been obtained, allowing the grant activity to take place. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce must be notified when certain items are exported (including encryption software standard on all computers). You must comply with all export requirements applicable to the grant work.

For more information and to apply for the research grant, please visit agency's website. 

Deadline:

Oct 12, 2022: Full Proposal Deadline. SFU Signature Sheet and copy of full application are due to ors@sfu.ca no later than 3 business days before agency deadline. Overhead is 0%. Applicants (not ORS) submit directly to agency via online portal.