National Geographic Society
✨ AI Summary
Apply to The Human Thread Grant to receive up to US$100,000 in funding to tell stories about human cultures, heritage, and traditions that connect the past with the present. The grant is open to filmmakers, photographers, journalists, and other storytellers worldwide.
The Human Thread Grant 2026 is a storytelling funding opportunity from the National Geographic Society, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. It supports creative projects that explore human histories, cultural identities, religious traditions, and contemporary cultural practices. The programme offers two funding levels: Level I grants up to US$20,000 and Level II grants up to US$100,000. Projects can be completed within one year (Level I) or two years (Level II) and may use formats including documentary film, photography, podcasts, oral histories, and digital storytelling. What you get • Funding of up to US$20,000 (Level I) or up to US$100,000 (Level II) • Networking and professional connections through National Geographic's community of Explorers • Opportunity for greater recognition of project work How to apply 1. Review the official funding guidelines to determine eligibility, appropriate grant level, and project scope 2. Prepare storytelling proposal that demonstrates alignment with the cultural focus, explains why the story matters, describes how it will be told, and shows potential impact 3. Submit application through the official portal at https://funding.nationalgeographic.org/
• Minimum age 18 years • Eligible applicants based in any country • Application must be in English • Project must focus on human histories, cultural heritage, religions, or contemporary cultural practices • Applicants must meet the programme's eligibility requirements (consult official guidelines)