National Geographic Grant 2025

• National Geographic

• Deadline: April 22nd, 2025

• Prize: Grant between $20,000 - $100,000

• Theme: Green Development

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLOSED. Click HERE for more Opportunities

Access to safe and clean water is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone of sustainable development and a driver of social progress. Despite this, millions of people around the world lack access to reliable sources of clean water. The reasons for this scarcity are complex and multifaceted, including the effects of climate change, which alters water availability through changing precipitation patterns and extreme weather events. Additionally, unsustainable practices like over-extraction and inefficient water use further stress freshwater resources, making it increasingly difficult to provide enough safe water for all. To address these issues, the United Nations set Sustainable Development Goal 6, which strives to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, clean water by the year 2030. However, significant obstacles remain, particularly in regions already struggling with limited resources and infrastructure.

To contribute to these global efforts, the National Geographic Society has established the World Freshwater Initiative. This initiative is designed to map water availability, promote understanding of water scarcity, and support storytelling around water-related challenges. Through the World Water Map, National Geographic provides a clear visual representation of global water distribution and identifies areas facing critical water shortages. Partnering with the Conrad Hilton Foundation’s Safe Water Initiative, National Geographic offers grants to storytellers and conservationists, especially those from underrepresented areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, where water access is often more precarious. This partnership aims to elevate local voices, enabling them to share stories that illustrate the human impact of water shortages and advocate for meaningful solutions.

Those interested in applying for this grant should have strong experience within the communities they aim to cover, as well as a background in storytelling. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their previous media work, which should reflect their ability to convey compelling narratives on water-related issues.