Are you a storyteller passionate about climate change? The National Geographic Society Request for Proposal: The Climate Pledge 2026 offers a chance to fund projects that highlight climate resilience and solutions. This grant supports creators worldwide to build inspiring stories for business leaders and policymakers. Up to $100,000 is available for projects that focus on real-world climate action.
What Is The Climate Pledge 2026?
The National Geographic Society partners with The Climate Pledge to back a group of Explorers. These projects create a collection of stories about climate solutions. The goal is to motivate action on issues like energy shifts and nature protection. Both current National Geographic Explorers and newcomers can apply. Stories should come from communities facing climate challenges.
Key Topics for Projects
Proposals can cover several areas related to climate resilience. Here are the main focuses:
- Climate & Energy Transition: Projects on carbon-free energy and ways to cut down carbon emissions.
- Nature & Land Systems: Ideas like water management, nature-based solutions for biodiversity and restoration, regenerative farming, and better food systems.
- Built & Human Systems: Stories about climate-friendly buildings, people moving due to climate change, public health impacts, and social ways to adapt.
- Adaptation in Extreme Weather: Coverage of events like hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, and floods.
These topics allow for creative approaches. Projects do not have to stick only to this list, but they should tie back to climate solutions.
Grant Details and Budget
Applicants can request up to $100,000 per project. If you have five years or less of experience, aim for up to $20,000. Budgets must cover direct costs needed to finish the work. Examples include travel, equipment, or team support. Reviewers look for clear and reasonable plans. Successful grants create high-impact media like videos, photos, or articles.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity targets storytellers with strong media skills. You need a record of past projects and a portfolio, such as a website. Priority goes to those who live in or have deep experience in the communities your story covers. Or, show strong ties with local groups and people there. Applications must be in English, but it does not need to be your first language. The project leader writes and submits the proposal.
You can only lead one project. Teams are welcome, but name one main leader.
Application Process
Submit everything through the online portal. No emails or mailed papers count. Include your portfolio link and a full project plan. Detail your story idea, budget, timeline, and impact. The portal guides you step by step.
Visit the official page for full guidelines: The Climate Pledge RFP.
Important Deadline
All applications close on May 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM US-EDT. Start early to build a strong proposal. This is your chance to join a global effort for climate stories that drive change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Climate Pledge 2026 grant?
It is a funding opportunity from the National Geographic Society and The Climate Pledge for storytellers to create media projects on climate solutions and resilience, with up to $100,000 available.
Who can apply for this grant?
Storytellers with strong media skills and a portfolio can apply, especially those living in or experienced with climate-affected communities. Both new and current National Geographic Explorers are welcome.
What topics should projects cover?
Projects can focus on climate and energy transition, nature and land systems, built and human systems, or adaptation to extreme weather like hurricanes and floods.
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by May 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM US-EDT through the online portal.
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