About the Grant
The Future of Learning, The Future of our Planet Grant by the National Geographic Society (NGS), USA supports bold and transformative educational projects that prepare learners to shape a healthier and more sustainable future for people and the planet. This grant funds both innovative pilot projects and research that measures the effectiveness of new educational approaches. Open to educators, researchers, and practitioners worldwide, it emphasises curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary learning that empowers people of all ages to care for and protect our shared world. The programme is aligned with global priorities such as environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, and planetary health, making it a unique opportunity for those working at the intersection of education, science, and community engagement.
Grant Details
- Grant Name: The Future of Learning, The Future of our Planet
- Funding Agency/Institution: National Geographic Society
- Location: International (United States based)
- Research Field(s): Education, Environmental Studies, Planetary Health, Sustainability, Human Histories & Cultures, Space, Ocean, Land, Wildlife
- Grant Type: Project grant / Research grant
- Project Duration: Varies by project scope (generally up to 2 years)
- Funding Amount: Level I and Level II grants (amounts vary)
- Grant Start Date (Expected): 2026
- Mode of Research: Individual / Institutional / Collaborative / Interdisciplinary
- Application Type: Open call
Research Areas Supported
- Education and Learning Innovation
- Planetary Health and Sustainability
- Ocean Conservation
- Land and Ecosystem Protection
- Wildlife Protection and Biodiversity
- Human Histories and Cultures
- Space and Planetary Science
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: No specific degree required
- Career Stage: Open to all (educators, researchers, practitioners)
- Nationality/Residency: International eligibility
- Affiliation Requirements: Must demonstrate experience in education projects (formal or informal settings)
- Experience Level: Proven record of using education as a strategy to achieve learning or conservation goals
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior project leadership experience
- Evidence of project impact or scalability
- Interdisciplinary or cross-cultural collaboration
Not Eligible
- Current National Geographic staff members
Grant Benefits
- Funding Support: Project costs including implementation and research expenses
- Travel Allowance: Support for field-based learning projects
- Lab/Research Material Costs: Where relevant to the project
- Collaborative Research Funding: Encouraged for cross-disciplinary or international teams
- Publication or Dissemination Support: Open-access publication and outreach costs
- Host Institution Support: Institutional collaboration and recognition
- Professional Development Opportunities: Networking through National Geographic Society’s global community
Key Responsibilities
Grant recipients are expected to design and implement impactful learning solutions, carry out research or project delivery, measure learner outcomes, report progress, and contribute to knowledge-sharing for global sustainability education. Dissemination of findings through reports, publications, and presentations is also expected.
Application Process
How to Apply
Submission Mode: Online application: Apply Here
Submission Steps:
- Register/Login
- Complete the application form
- Upload required documents
- Submit before deadline
Required Documents
- Completed Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Proposal / Project Description
- Budget Plan
- Letter of Endorsement from Host Institution (if applicable)
- Ethical Approval Statement (if applicable)
- Prior Work or Publications (if applicable)
- Reference Letters
Important Dates
- Call Opens: September 2025
- Deadline: 19 November 2025, 11:59 PM EDT
- Review Period: Late 2025 – Early 2026
- Results Notification: 2026 (expected)
- Project Start Date: 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: National Geographic Society
- Official Grant Page: Future of Learning RfP
- Apply Online: Application Portal
📧 Contact for Queries
Email: funding@ngs.org (use subject line: Future of Learning RfP)
FAQs or Guidelines: Grant Guidelines
Learn about more PhD and Research Grant opportunities: HigherJobz
