Call for Grant Applications – Freshwater Storytelling
Application Deadline:
April 22, 2025
About Organisation
The National Geographic Society’s World Freshwater Initiative is dedicated to addressing global freshwater challenges through storytelling, conservation, and education. Working alongside the Conrad Hilton Foundation’s Safe Water Initiative, it aims to raise awareness of the global water crisis and inspire actions to promote sustainable freshwater use. Central to this initiative are the World Water Map and a diverse grantmaking program. The World Water Map provides a comprehensive visualization of freshwater resources, helping to identify regions where water demand surpasses supply, and highlighting the impact of human activities and climate change on water availability. The grant program supports storytellers and conservationists whose work brings attention to the urgency of sustainable water use, particularly in areas suffering from scarcity. Through these efforts, the World Freshwater Initiative aims to foster a global community of advocates, equipping them with resources, tools, and training to inspire transformative change in freshwater conservation and usage practices.
About the Grant
The National Geographic Society’s Freshwater Storytelling Grant supports storytellers committed to raising awareness about freshwater scarcity and promoting sustainable water practices. In partnership with the Conrad Hilton Foundation, the grant offers funding to creators whose projects spotlight water challenges, such as those faced by underserved communities, and highlight potential solutions to these issues. Supported formats include photography, film, data visualization, and more, with a focus on stories that elevate the voices of communities and individuals facing freshwater-related challenges. Successful projects will explore pressing issues in water access and conservation, particularly as they impact vulnerable groups like last-mile and low-income households, women, girls, and children. Grant recipients join the National Geographic Explorer Community and receive access to resources, training, and tools to amplify their work. Projects should aim to both engage and inform audiences about the global water crisis and be completed within one year of funding.
Who can Apply?
This grant is open to experienced storytellers from diverse backgrounds worldwide who have a record of impactful media projects. Applicants should submit a portfolio showcasing their expertise in storytelling formats such as photography, film, writing, data visualization, spoken word, and more. Projects that delve into the challenges specific communities face in accessing clean water—particularly vulnerable groups like women, children, and low-income households—are strongly encouraged. Early-career applicants (five years or less of experience) are advised to apply for funding at the $20,000 level. National Geographic Explorers who have previously received a grant are not eligible for this level but may apply for higher funding. The budget must be clearly justified, covering necessary expenses like equipment, field costs, and freelancer stipends. Grant proposals must include a distribution and impact evaluation plan, and the project leader should be responsible for the submission and execution of the project.
How to Apply?
Submit your application through the National Geographic Society’s online portal. Only applications in English are accepted, and the project leader must complete the submission.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by April 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
