There are many awards, grants, fellowships and other opportunities available to further your exploration goals. These are only a sample. Check the grant/award website directly for details and deadlines. Members seeking support with awards or grants should contact us for assistance.
TEC Exploration Fund
This category supports exploration and field research for those who are just beginning their research careers. We recommend applying if you are a graduate/post-graduate student or an early career scientist conducting fieldwork.
EC50
Each year, The Explorers Club recognizes 50 extraordinary people who are doing remarkable work to promote science and exploration, but remain under the radar and out of the limelight.” This award is by nomination only. Nominees need not be TEC members, but nominators must be TEC members/fellows. Might be a good opportunity for research team members or associates.
bioneers
Bioneers “acts as a fertile hub of social and scientific innovators with practical and visionary solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.” Each year they seek presenters for their annual conference. While highly competitive, this is an opportunity to bring new and different eyes to your research.
Fulbright
Offers a wide range of opportunities for researchers, graduate students, physicians, and others. The program tends to prefer people with university/institutional affiliations.
US Department of the interior, indian affairs —tribal climate resilience awards program
The Tribal Climate Resilience Annual Awards Program provides competitive funding to federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations to build climate resilience capacity.
Explorers club impact grant
“The Explorers Club Impact Grants support the critical fieldwork of researchers and explorers from around the world, while also providing them with a platform to illuminate their findings without restrictions on scientific publication or infringement on ownership of research.”
EPA president’s environmental youth award
The President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects developed by K-12 youth.
Rising explorers grant
The goal of this grant is to foster a new generation of explorers dedicated to advancing the scientific knowledge of our world. We recommend applying if you are a high school student, college undergraduate, or independent researcher doing work at an equivalent level.
world wildlife fund youth conservation leadership award
“The WWF-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award celebrates the achievements of exceptional young people working toward conservation solutions in the United States.” Youth is currently defined as up to age 30.
Hidden Compass pathfinder prize
Awards $18,000 to one project annually. They’re looking for unique and compelling stories. The last project funded was for the exploration of the queer roots of alpinism on a Matterhorn expedition.
The lowell thomas award
This is an award for exemplary achievement. “Inspired by the definition of a pathfinder as ‘one who discovers a new way,’ we are seeking nominations of explorers that are pathfinders in myriad fields of exploration from outer to inner space, and the new pathways to knowledge about the wonders of planet Earth.” Self-nomination is not allowed, but the nominator need not be a TEC member.
UNEP Champions of the earth
Every year, UNEP honors individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature, and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Champions transform our economies, innovate, lead political change, fight environmental injustice, and defend our natural resources.
Association of fish & Wildlife agencies climate adaptation leadership award
The Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards (CALA) celebrate outstanding efforts to increase the resilience of America's valuable living natural resources and help sustain the many people, communities, and businesses that depend on them.
John templeton foundation grants
They support interdisciplinary research and public engagement that align with their major funding areas. Generally, they fund charitable entities that operate inside and outside of the United States.
National geographic grants
The organization funds individuals working on projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology that align with one or more of their focuses.
Foresight Fellowship
“The Foresight Fellowship is a one-year program committed to giving change-makers the support to accelerate their bold ideas into the future. Our mission is to catalyze collaboration among leading young scientists, engineers, and innovators who are working on emerging new technologies that have the power to transform society…. Fellows are invited to engage in events, connect with fellows and mentors, and help each other succeed with their endeavors.” They have programs in space and “existential hope.”
Payne Fellows
“The Payne Fellowship encourages the application of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service as well as those with financial need. Candidates can be graduating seniors or college graduates with strong academic records and a desire to promote positive change in the world. Upon successful completion of the Payne Program and USAID entry requirements, Fellows receive an appointment to the USAID Foreign Service, with a required five years of service.”
NASA Internship Programs
“NASA’s internship programs provide training, mentoring, and career development opportunities while working with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world.”
Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
The “Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed for the next generation of scientists and engineers who will push the boundaries of science to world-recognized discoveries.”
Global Partnership for Education Grants
“GPE supports partner countries to develop their own pathway to transform their education system by identifying key challenges, implementing priority reforms and aligning all stakeholders to achieve results.” Deadlines vary depending on the grant.
ClimateWorks Foundation Grants Database
“From grassroots action to global policy, our grants support organizations and initiatives that are working to end the climate crisis.” This database has a range of grants.