Opportunity Overview

The National Geographic Society is seeking proposals for storytelling projects that illuminate the vast spectrum of the human experience. Within the Center for Human Histories and Cultures, this RFP supports projects that document the origins, evolutions, and current expressions of global cultures and religions.

Our goal is to support storytellers who can bridge the gap between ancient legacies and contemporary realities, deepening our collective understanding of humanity’s shared journey through time.

This opportunity is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be 18+ years of age.
• Applications must be completed in English.
• The individual responsible for creating and/or narratively weaving the contents of the proposed project should be listed as the Principal Investigator.
• Applicants must select “Storytelling” as the project’s primary discipline, and “Human Histories and Cultures” as the project’s primary focus area.
• Applicants should submit a portfolio as part of their application packet that includes a record of successful media projects. This portfolio should also demonstrate your technical and subject matter expertise proposed in your application. Accepted portfolios include link(s) to a website as well as a vimeo profile, an Instagram account, and/or a submitted PDF of your best work. Please provide passwords and/or access to shared private links. 
• Proposed storytelling  projects can be submitted as a Level I or Level II grant:
• Level I Grants - 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. Individuals who have received award(s) through the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists or the Young Explorer Program are eligible to apply for Level I funding. Level I project budgets may not exceed US$20,000. Projects awarded at Level I will have up to one year to implement their fieldwork.
• Level II Grants - If you are more established in your field, have previously received a grant from the National Geographic Society, 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 grant from the National Geographic Society to apply for this funding level. Level II project budgets may not exceed US$100,000. Projects awarded at Level II will have up to two years to implement their fieldwork.
• The proposed budget is realistic and aligned to the scope of the proposed project activities. (e.g., activities described in the proposal are accounted for in the budget, candidate describes if activities will be paid for by another funding source, etc.).
• If applicable, the budget includes compensation for team members from the local community.
• The applicant sufficiently describes why each team member is needed to successfully complete the project. 
• Applicants 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.
• Best practices when working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, including engagement before settling on any fixed plans for the project and respect for the prior experiences and right to autonomy of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
• Integration of community knowledge systems where applicable, appropriate, and with due care for ethical protocols and intellectual property rights.
• All applications should explicitly state the plan for evaluating the impact of the proposed work.
• This funding opportunity is open to both existing Explorers and those not yet part of the Explorer community.