Deadline: 24-Jun-2026
The Developing Future Ocean Stewards programme invites proposals for education projects that transform coastal and riverine communities into active spaces for ocean stewardship and learning. The initiative supports community-based education projects connected to NG-LEX ship destinations worldwide, with a focus on immersive learning experiences, inclusive engagement, and the integration of Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems to strengthen people’s relationships with aquatic environments.
About the Program
The programme supports education initiatives that build ocean literacy and encourage communities to become stewards of marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The programme focuses on:
- Ocean stewardship and literacy
- Community-based education
- Place-based learning experiences
- Coastal and riverine ecosystems
- Inclusive education approaches
- Co-creation with local communities
- Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems
- Measurable learning outcomes
- Educational innovation
- Equitable collaboration
The programme aims to empower communities through education while fostering long-term environmental responsibility.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Strengthen ocean literacy among learners and communities
- Encourage stewardship of aquatic ecosystems
- Promote immersive, place-based learning
- Support inclusive and equitable educational practices
- Integrate Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge
- Foster meaningful community participation
- Develop measurable educational outcomes
- Introduce innovative educational approaches
- Expand successful education models into new contexts
Projects should demonstrate a clear educational purpose and community benefit.
Funding Information
Funding is available through two Education grant levels.
Level I Education Grants
- Up to $20,000
- Project duration of up to one year
- Suitable for pilot projects and smaller-scale initiatives
Level II Education Grants
- Funding ranging from $50,000 to $65,000
- Maximum funding of up to $100,000
- Project duration of up to two years
- Suitable for larger initiatives and projects expanding proven models
Funding supports the implementation of community-based education projects with clearly defined learner groups and measurable outcomes.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Individuals aged 18 years or older
- Applicants serving as the primary project lead
- Individuals with strong ties to the communities where the project will be implemented
- Applicants selecting “Education” as the primary focus area during submission
Applicants may:
- Be affiliated with universities, nonprofits, research institutions, or other organisations
- Collaborate with up to five project team members
Active National Geographic Society Explorers must close any existing grants before applying.
Priority Regions
The programme prioritises projects in the following regions:
- Arctic
- Asia
- Baja California
- Caribbean
- Central America
- Europe and the Mediterranean
- Pacific Northwest
- Patagonia
- Peruvian Amazon
- Southeast Alaska and British Columbia
- South Pacific
- United Kingdom and Ireland
Projects should demonstrate relevance to coastal and riverine communities connected to NG-LEX ship destinations.
Project Requirements
Projects are expected to include:
- Clearly identified learner groups
- Defined educational objectives
- Measurable learning outcomes
- Community participation in project design and implementation
- Inclusive and equitable engagement practices
- Ethical collaboration with local stakeholders
- Integration of Indigenous and traditional knowledge where appropriate
- Innovative educational approaches or adaptation of existing models to new settings
Applications should explain how the proposed activities will create meaningful educational impact.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Educational impact and relevance
- Clarity of learning outcomes
- Strength of community engagement
- Quality of inclusive methodologies
- Evidence of equitable collaboration
- Ethical community engagement practices
- Innovation in educational design
- Potential to strengthen ocean stewardship and literacy
The anticipated outcomes and community value of the project are key considerations during evaluation.
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects should contribute to:
- Increased ocean literacy
- Stronger stewardship behaviours
- Greater community participation in environmental learning
- Improved understanding of aquatic ecosystems
- Recognition of Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems
- More inclusive educational opportunities
- Enhanced community capacity for conservation action
- Sustainable connections between people and aquatic environments
The programme encourages initiatives that generate lasting educational and environmental benefits.
Why This Program Matters
Education plays a vital role in protecting oceans, rivers, and other aquatic ecosystems. By supporting community-led learning experiences, the programme helps individuals understand the importance of these environments and their role in safeguarding them.
The Developing Future Ocean Stewards programme promotes collaboration, inclusion, and knowledge sharing while preparing future generations to become informed and active environmental stewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the programme?
- Individuals aged 18 years or older serving as the primary project lead.
Can organisations submit applications?
- No. Applications must be submitted by individuals, although applicants may be affiliated with organisations.
How much funding is available?
- Level I grants provide up to $20,000, while Level II grants range from $50,000 to $65,000, with a maximum of $100,000 available.
How long can projects run?
- Level I projects can last up to one year, while Level II projects can continue for up to two years.
Can applicants work with a team?
- Yes. Applicants may collaborate with up to five project team members.
What factors are considered during assessment?
- Educational impact, learning outcomes, community engagement, inclusive practices, innovation, and ethical collaboration.
What types of projects are encouraged?
- Projects that strengthen ocean literacy, promote stewardship, involve communities, and introduce innovative approaches to education.
Conclusion
The Developing Future Ocean Stewards programme provides individuals with an opportunity to create impactful education initiatives that strengthen ocean stewardship and community engagement. Through support for inclusive, place-based learning and innovative educational approaches, the programme helps build the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to protect aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
For more information, visit National Geographic Society.
