National Geographic Society Grant: The Human Thread

The Human Thread grant is a National Geographic Society call for storytelling projects that explore the range of human experience, from the origins of cultures and beliefs to the way they are lived today. Photographers, filmmakers, journalists and other storytellers anywhere in the world can apply. The deadline is 1 December 2026.

The call is part of the Society's work on human histories and cultures. Funding comes in two levels: up to $20,000 for applicants new to National Geographic funding, with one year to complete the project, and up to $100,000 for more established applicants, with two years. Grantees join the National Geographic Explorer community.

Priority goes to storytellers with lived experience in, or established relationships with, the communities they want to document.

Who Can Apply for The Human Thread Grant?

The grant is open to individuals aged 18 and over in any country. Applications are made in English and include a portfolio of prior media work. Applicants can lead only one Society-funded project at a time and must have submitted final reports for any earlier grants they led.

It is particularly relevant to:

• Documentary and portrait photographers
• Filmmakers and multimedia storytellers
• Journalists working with images
• Storytellers documenting their own communities, traditions or faith

What Does the Grant Offer?

• Level I: up to $20,000 for applicants new to National Geographic Society funding, with one year to carry out the project
• Level II: up to $100,000 for established applicants, with two years
• Network: grantees become National Geographic Explorers

Application Fees

There is no fee to apply.

Submission Requirements

Applications are submitted through the National Geographic Funding Portal. Alongside the project proposal, the call asks for a portfolio of earlier media work; the request for proposals on the portal lists the full set of materials. The project must start at least six months after the deadline, so plan your dates from June 2027 onwards.

Important Rules

• Applicants must be 18 or older.
• Applications must be in English.
• You can lead only one Society-funded project at a time.
• Final reports for earlier Society grants must be submitted.
• Projects start at least six months after the deadline.

When Will Applicants Be Notified?

The Society reviews applications after the deadline and contacts applicants through the Funding Portal. Check the request for proposals for the expected decision date, and keep your project start at least six months after 1 December 2026.

What Kind of Stories Fit The Human Thread Grant?

The call is about the origins and current expressions of cultures and beliefs around the world. Strong projects might follow a ritual that is changing between generations, a craft tradition kept alive by a few families, the music or food that holds a diaspora community together, or the way a faith shapes everyday life in one place. Photography, film, audio, writing and mixed media are all possible, and many funded projects combine formats.

What links good proposals is closeness: a storyteller who knows the community well, who can show people as they see themselves, and who has a plan for sharing the finished work with them.

Things to Consider

• Choose the right level. If you have never had National Geographic funding, Level I is the realistic route.
• Show your access. Explain your relationship with the community; this is a stated priority.
• Tell a specific story. One community, tradition or question works better than a broad theme.
• Budget honestly. Link every cost to an outcome, such as travel, fixers or translation.
• Build the portfolio around storytelling. Finished stories show more than single strong images.
• Think about ethics and consent. Projects about culture and belief need care, and the jury will look for it.

Apply for the Grant

Interested in applying?

Apply for The Human Thread grant

For the full request for proposals and the application portal, visit the official National Geographic Society website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 13, 2026