Freshwater Conservation Grants:
Applications Open for Freshwater Conservation Grants
Applications are now open for individuals interested in applying for Freshwater Conservation grants. Freshwater is crucial for the health of our planet, sustaining diverse ecosystems, and is closely linked to climate change. Additionally, humans rely on water for drinking, agriculture, and raising livestock. However, there are regions around the world where the demand for freshwater exceeds the available supply, leading to depletion of resources and the risk of water scarcity. The World Water Map, part of the Society’s World Freshwater Initiative, visualizes these global water gaps. The Freshwater Conservation grants aim to fund on-the-ground, community-led conservation projects that address freshwater scarcity challenges through impactful solutions. The goal is to highlight real-life stories about water scarcity and support projects that can make a difference. Individual project leaders with a proven track record of co-creating or collaborating with communities affected by freshwater scarcity should consider applying. These grants are highly competitive and are specifically reserved for projects located in one of the 20 water scarcity hotspots identified in the World Water Map. Interested applicants, including National Geographic Explorers, can request funding of up to USD $50,000 for projects that can span up to two years. Pre-applications are currently being accepted until March 25, 2024, 11:59pm EDT. It is recommended that applicants have a clear understanding of the project’s methods, dissemination strategies, and proposed outputs when submitting a pre-application. Applicants who are invited to submit a full application will need to provide evidence of local community participation throughout the project’s development and implementation. Only one project proposal per project leader is allowed, and applications must be submitted through the online portal provided. To learn more about the Freshwater Conservation grants and to apply, please visit the official National Geographic Society website: Apply Now.