The National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions have opened a grant to support the preservation of traditional arts, crafts and cultural heritage. The fund supports community-centred projects that ensure the survival of cultural knowledge, including craft, adornment, music, and spoken arts.
Projects must be led by, or include, an artisan with deep ties to the relevant local culture. Suitable initiatives might involve documenting traditional methodologies, capacity building through workshops, or supporting the sustainable transmission of skills across generations.
Eligible regions
The fund prioritises projects located in areas visited by their expedition vessels. In Europe, eligible locations include Albania, Croatia, France (including Corsica), Greece, Italy (including Sardinia), Malta, Montenegro, Portugal (including the Azores), Spain (including the Canary Islands) and Türkiye.
Projects situated along inland waterways are also encouraged, specifically the Danube (from Budapest to Passau), the Rhine (from Cologne to Basel), and the waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands.
Funding available
- Level I: Up to $20,000 for individuals establishing their careers or applying to National Geographic for the first time.
- Level II: Up to $40,000 for more established practitioners.
Key dates and how to apply
- Webinars: Three informational sessions will be held in May 2026.
- Deadline: Applications close on 4 June 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
- Project start date: Activities must start no earlier than 1 January 2027.
Please note: When applying via the portal, candidates must select “Science” as the primary discipline and “Human Histories and Cultures” as the primary focus area.
For full eligibility criteria, webinar registration links, and to submit your proposal, please visit the official National Geographic Society website.
photo: Baraa Obied from Pexels