National Geographic Society The Human Thread Grant 2026

About the opportunity

The National Geographic Society offers The Human Thread Grant 2026 to support storytellers documenting human histories, cultural heritage, and contemporary cultural practices. This grant funds projects that explore cultural identity, historical legacies, and knowledge preservation. It is open to filmmakers, photographers, and cultural storytellers worldwide.

What you get

• Up to $100,000 in funding
• Project duration: up to 2 years
• Support for multi-platform projects

Who can apply

• Storytellers worldwide
• Early-career and established professionals
• Existing National Geographic Explorers and newcomers

What you need to apply

• Be at least 18 years old
• Submit application in English
• Portfolio of relevant media experience
• Realistic project budget and team roles
• Plan for evaluating project impact
• Deadline: 1 December 2026