About the Program
lluminating Climate Solutions -The National Geographic Society and The Climate Pledge invite proposals for Illuminating Climate Solutions. This initiative turns the power of authentic storytelling toward highlighting climate resilience and solutions worldwide.
At a time when climate action is often reduced to numbers—degrees of warming, metric tons of carbon, miles of coastline lost—this program emphasizes the human stories behind the data. From communities navigating climate upheaval to innovators reimagining resilience, the goal is to inspire action through storytelling.
Focus Areas dor lluminating Climate Solutions
Potential stories may include:
- Climate & Energy Transition – Carbon-free energy, decarbonization
- Nature & Land Systems – Water stewardship, biodiversity restoration, regenerative agriculture, food systems
- Built & Human Systems – Climate migration, public health, social adaptation
- Adaptation in Extreme Weather – Hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, floods
Eligibility
- Storytellers with lived experience in the communities they cover, or established collaborations with local organizations.
- Applicants must demonstrate a record of successful media projects and submit a portfolio (website link).
- Open to both existing Explorers and new applicants.
Funding Details
- Applicants may request up to USD 100,000.
- Recommended request for early-career applicants (≤5 years experience): up to USD 20,000.
- Funds may be used over two years.
- Budgets must include reasonable, well-justified costs directly required to complete the project.
Additional Benefits
- First-time recipients join the Explorer Community, gaining access to training, software tools, and future funding opportunities.
- Applications must be submitted in English via the online portal.
- Only one proposal per applicant as project lead.
Deadline
All applications must be submitted by May 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
To Apply and for further details visit: national geography website
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