The National Geographic Society is inviting proposals for storytelling projects that explore human histories, cultural heritage, religions and contemporary cultural practices. Through its Center for Human Histories and Cultures, this funding opportunity supports storytellers documenting the origins, evolution and present-day expressions of cultures around the world.
The call welcomes innovative, multi-platform projects that connect historical legacies with contemporary realities, deepen understanding of cultural identity and preserve knowledge across generations.
Funding
Applicants can submit proposals under two grant levels:
Level I:Â Project budgets of up to USD 20,000 for emerging storytellers establishing themselves in their field.
Level II:Â Project budgets of up to USD 100,000 for more established storytellers or those seeking a higher level of funding.
Level I projects may receive up to one year to complete their fieldwork, while Level II projects may receive up to two years. These figures represent maximum project budgets, not guaranteed award amounts.
Projects may explore archaeological sites and descendant communities, endangered languages, traditional crafts, ancestral knowledge, evolving religious practices, migration histories and cultural continuity.
Eligibility
Eligible formats include:
Documentary Film
Photography
Podcasts
Oral Histories
Digital Storytelling
Community-led Exhibitions
The opportunity is open to early-career and established storytellers worldwide, including existing National Geographic Explorers and applicants who are not yet part of the Explorer community.
Proposals should demonstrate meaningful engagement with relevant communities and, where applicable, respect for cultural protocols, consent and intellectual property rights.
Application requirements
Applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Submit their application in English.
Select Storytelling as the primary discipline and Human Histories and Cultures as the primary focus area.
Designate the individual responsible for creating or narratively developing the project as the Principal Investigator.
Submit a portfolio demonstrating relevant media experience, technical skills and subject expertise.
Provide a realistic project budget and explain the roles of team members.
Include a plan for evaluating the project's impact.
Applicants with lived experience, established relationships or significant experience working in the communities featured in their proposed projects will be prioritised.
Application information
Deadline:Â 1 December 2026
For more information and to apply, click here.
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