National Geographic Society Invites Proposals for Coastal Ecosystems for People and Planet Grant Program 2025, This competitive call for applications seeks to fund ambitious projects focused on conservation, restoration, or research related to blue forests (including mangroves, seagrass meadows, kelp forests, or coastal salt marshes). This presents a powerful opportunity for strengthening and centering the voices of communities who are part of the expedition journeys. Through the LEX-NG Fund we will support projects that center the needs, interests and knowledge of communities and local partners – complementing National Geographic-Lindblad’s existing work in building unique cultural experiences for guests that foster cultural connection. This funding opportunity will prioritize blue forests in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (NG-LEX) destinations, including Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the Arctic, Baja California, United Kingdom and Ireland, the Caribbean, Central American, Galápagos, and the Mediterranean, as well as other relevant locations visited by the fleet (for more information, please review the Regions of Interest document). Proposals for projects in other regions will also be considered..

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 3^rd October 2025

Who Should Apply

(National Geographic Society Invites Proposals for Coastal Ecosystems for People and Planet Grant Program 2025)

We are looking for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and encourage you to design your project proposal around your expertise and passion. There are no minimum academic or experiential requirements – we only expect that you are passionate and knowledgeable about your project’s subject matter (which should be related to blue forests). Applicants are encouraged to design projects to be implemented in communities where they already have existing connections or a track record of work. If the applicant does not have existing connections or a track record of work in the proposed location(s), they are strongly encouraged to include local collaborators.

Egret birds perch on the mangrove ecosystem in Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan Province of Indonesia, on 2 July 2023. Photo by Michael Eko.

Eligibility

(National Geographic Society Invites Proposals for Coastal Ecosystems for People and Planet Grant Program 2025)

• Project must primarily focus on conservation, restoration, or research related to blue forests (such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, kelp forests, or coastal salt marshes).
• Project must have a primary discipline of Science, and a primary focus area of Ocean; applications for Storytelling and Education projects will not be considered.
• Projects focused on blue forests in locations that overlap with NG-LEX voyages (please review the Regions of Interest document for more information) are preferred, but not required.
• Candidate must be willing to provide project information that can be shared with travelers aboard NG-LEX vessels.
• Candidate must be over the age of 18.
• The individual responsible for carrying out the project should be listed as the project leader.
• Most projects will be awarded as Level I grants. Level I (LI) project budgets may not exceed US$20,000. Level II (LII) project budgets may not exceed US$100,000 (the expected average budget for a LII project under this opportunity is US$50,000 to US$75,000).
• Level I: 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. This opportunity is designed for individuals who may be earlier in their career.
• Level II: 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 opportunity.
• Projects awarded at Level I must be completed within one (1) year of receipt of funding. Projects awarded at Level II must be completed within two (2) years of receipt of funding. Extensions may be granted due to extenuating circumstances, on a case by case basis.
• Applicants are encouraged to design projects to be implemented in communities where they already have existing connections or a track record of work. If the applicant does not have existing connections or a track record of work in the proposed location(s), they are strongly encouraged to include local collaborators.
• Application and all required reporting must be completed in English.
• Application materials must be complete enough to be able to assess candidate’s skills and experience, as well as the project idea.
• Strong applications will include an achievable goal, as well as meaningful collaboration with local stakeholders built into every stage of the project.

Benefits

(National Geographic Society Invites Proposals for Coastal Ecosystems for People and Planet Grant Program 2025)

Up to $20,000 in funding for Level I grants, up to $100,000 in funding for Level II grants. See here for budget guidelines.

Membership in the Explorer Community and eligibility for a variety of future funding, learning and networking opportunities.

Potential opportunities to be featured on LEX social media channels, and/or in the LEX-NG Fund Annual Traveler Impact Report (the latest version of the Impact Report can be found here).

Potential guest speaking opportunities aboard NG-LEX vessels.

How to apply?

Candidates must submit an application through the National Geographic Society website. The RFP opens in August 2025, and closes on October 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT (October 4 at 3:59 AM UTC). We expect to announce awards in December 2025.

For more detailed information about this RFP and recommendations for crafting strong applications, consult our Frequently Asked Questions document.

If you have questions that are not answered here or in the FAQ document, please email us at funding@ngs.org with “Coastal Ecosystems RFP” in the subject line.

Please note: this form requires you to log into or create a National Geographic Society account.

Kick Start Your Application Here

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