National Geographic Storytelling Grant

[bmcdonough]

Hey everyone! 

I mostly work as a conservation photographer and the National Geographic grants have been an awesome way to fund some of my projects. The deadline isn't until April but they take quite a bit of work to pull everything together. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/?nav_click 

Is anyone considering applying for this? What project would you want to do? Let me know if I can answer any questions based on my application experience! 

[Joey-Austin]

Thank you for sharing

[TrekRover]

16 hours ago, bmcdonough said:

Hey everyone! 

I mostly work as a conservation photographer and the National Geographic grants have been an awesome way to fund some of my projects. The deadline isn't until April but they take quite a bit of work to pull everything together. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/?nav_click 

Is anyone considering applying for this? What project would you want to do? Let me know if I can answer any questions based on my application experience! 

Wow thank you for sharing! This sounds like an amazing opportunity and way to spread awareness on conservation missions. 

[bmcdonough]

@TrekRover of course! My experience as a grantee has been wonderful - I'm wrapping up my field work next month and I can't wait to share more images from my project with this community! 

[CarolineJensen]

On 9/13/2023 at 8:34 AM, bmcdonough said:

Hey everyone! 

I mostly work as a conservation photographer and the National Geographic grants have been an awesome way to fund some of my projects. The deadline isn't until April but they take quite a bit of work to pull everything together. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/?nav_click 

Is anyone considering applying for this? What project would you want to do? Let me know if I can answer any questions based on my application experience! 

Oh wow! Thank you for sharing!

[ToniPayne]

Thanks for sharing. I have had their page open on my browser for months now and you are right, applying can be a daunting experience. I plan to apply this year to try and fund a biodiversity and education project I hold dear. A lot of anxiety going on but one can still try. It would be interesting and helpful to hear how you have been able to get them in the past. 

[bmcdonough]

I totally understand the daunting feeling. Your project sounds great! 

I think it's important to remember to be very clear in your project description - don't assume the reviewers know anything about who you are or your project. And ultimately, I try to focus of driving home three points in my grant narratives: 

1. Why is this project important (this can also include what impact it will have)
2. Why you're the right person to do this project -- what sets you apart from others? Is it your relationships? Your experience? 
3. How are you set up for success? - Have you already made contacts and established relationships? Have you done something similar successfully in the past? 

That's the best general advice I think I have - I'm happy to chat more about specifics or answer questions! 

[damian]

I would love to apply! 

By the way, is joining society worth it at a basic level? 

[bmcdonough]

@damian you definitely should! Do you have a project in mind for your application? 

 I think joining the society is a great way to support National Geographic and keep in the loop on their events! I love the programming they put on so it's fun to be updated on them