Funding
The Funding page at Expedition Nexus is your launchpad for turning bold ideas into real-world impact, with a curated list of powerful grants and fellowships designed to support meaningful, mission-driven expeditions. We’ve also created the "ExNex Grant" (more info at the bottom of the page). In addition, ExNex supports crowdfunding integration, enabling expedition leaders to rally support directly from a global audience, through online promotions. Start your journey, spark your mission, and let the world help you bring it to life.
Grant Funding
💰 Major Conservation & Research Grants
- Whitley Fund for Nature
Up to £35,000 for outstanding grassroots conservation leaders working with local communities.
- Save Our Species (SOS) Grants
Grants up to 200,000 CHF for conservation of threatened species, habitats, and communities.
- British Ecological Society Grant Programme
Funds up to £300,000 annually for ecological research, training, travel, and outreach.
- Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
Up to $25,000 for projects conserving specific species—plants, animals, or fungi.
- Earthwatch Programme Grants
Support for scientists conducting field research on sustainability, biodiversity, and conservation.
- Rufford Small Grants Foundation
Up to £6,000 for nature conservation projects in developing countries—great for first-time applicants.
- Saving Nature (Formerly Saving Species)
Funds large-scale conservation land acquisition and ecological restoration initiatives.
- Waitt Foundation Rapid Ocean Conservation Grants
Up to $20,000 for urgent, ocean-focused conservation projects with rapid turnaround needs.
🔬 Specialized & Mid-Sized Grants
- ZSL Conservation Expedition Grants
Up to £5,000 for short-term research projects tackling conservation challenges.
- National Geographic Grants
Funding across exploration, science, storytelling, education, and conservation themes.
- Scientific Exploration Society Awards
Grants from £2,000 to £8,000 for adventurous fieldwork with a scientific or humanitarian goal.
- RGS-IBG Grants Programme
More than £180,000 awarded annually across geography, exploration, and education.
- Frederick Soddy Trust
£500–£2,000 for fieldwork in human geography. Two deadlines per year.
- Alfred Russel Wallace Grants (Operation Wallacea)
Supports university students joining Operation Wallacea biodiversity research expeditions.
- Anglo-Omani Society Grants
Fosters educational, research, and conservation initiatives that build Oman–UK connections.
- Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (Churchill Fellowships)
Fellowships for UK citizens to travel and learn globally to create community impact at home.
- Lord Mayor’s 800th Anniversary Awards
Small UK grants (£50–£1,000) to support adventurous or educational projects.
- Conservation Leadership Programme Grants
Tiered grant system to support early-career teams doing global conservation work.
- UNESCO MAB Programme Grants
Grants supporting sustainable development, science, and conservation in biosphere reserves.
🌍 Africa & Developing Nations
- Tropical Biology Association Grants & Training
Grant listings, courses, and mentorship for African researchers and conservation professionals.
- EDGE Fellowship Programme (ZSL)
Up to £8,000 plus training for early-career conservationists protecting unique species.
- African Bird Club Conservation Grants
Up to £3,000 per project; £10,000 distributed annually for bird conservation in Africa.
🇺🇸 U.S. & Canadian Citizens
- National Geographic Student Travel Scholarships
Funding for student research and exploration with strong storytelling and science components.
- Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund
$1,000 grants for global wildlife and habitat conservation by early-career researchers.
- Mazama Bob Wilson Expedition Grant
$10,000 awarded annually for mountain-focused exploratory or research expeditions.
🏔️ Adventure & Expedition Funding
- Mount Everest Foundation
Supports expeditions to remote or unexplored regions with scientific, mountaineering, or conservation aims.
- Berghaus Adventure Challenge
£1,000 in cash + £1,000 in gear for original, daring outdoor challenges.
- Captain Scott Society Awards
Two awards—£2,500 and £500—for purposeful and adventurous fieldwork.
- Bill Wallace Grant
£200–£2,000 for conservation-driven expeditions with an educational or cultural component.
- Next Challenge Expedition Grant
Annual grant for bold adventurers; includes links to 100+ other funding opportunities.
- John Muir Trust Wild Grants
£300–£2,000 for projects reconnecting people with wild places through meaningful journeys.
- The Adventure Fund (Sidetracked Magazine)
Yearly award for innovative travel and storytelling ventures.
- Julie Tullis Memorial Award
Small awards to support female and disabled climbers on ambitious projects.
- Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust
Mini-grants of £300+ for educational or gap-year-style travel with purpose.
- Timmissartok Foundation
Travel grants for purposeful personal journeys and projects.
- The Explorers Club Youth Activity Fund
$500–$5,000 for student-led projects that explore, discover, or research.
📢 Science Communication & Outreach
- Royal Society of Biology Science Communication Awards
£750–£1,500 for effective and engaging science outreach.
- British Ecological Society Outreach Grants
Up to £2,000 to support ecological engagement and public education.
- NZ Ecological Society SciComm Award
$500 to support storytelling and communication in ecology.
- Science and Society Community Challenge
Grants of £10,000–£40,000 for public engagement pilots in science or health.
- Public Engagement Grant Listings (UKRI)
A central listing for UK-based science and health outreach funding calls.
- The Awesome Foundation
$1,000 monthly microgrants for quirky, bold, or impactful community ideas—including sci-comm.
🎓 Academic & Student Expedition Grants
- UCL Expedition & Travel Grants
Available to UCL students undertaking exploration, research, or service abroad.
- Young Explorers Trust Grants
Supports educational youth expeditions approved by the Trust.
- Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust
£500–£1,500 for conservation or education-led initiatives globally.
- British Trust for Ornithology Small Grants
Up to £500 for ornithological research by BTO members or students.
- ARAV Research & Conservation Grant
$2,000–$3,000 for herpetological conservation, research, or clinical studies.
- Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland
Small grants supporting botanical fieldwork in the British Isles.
- Bentham-Moxon Trust
Supports botanical projects connected to the work of Kew Gardens.
- Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) Grants
Provides expedition and research funding across geographic disciplines.
- JPT Family Trust Medical Science Award
For young researchers (21–30) working in medical science in Asian field environments.
The ExNex Grant
The Expedition Nexus Grant is a community-funded microgrant designed to support bold, mission-driven expeditions. When participants join any expedition on the platform, they have the option to contribute a small $5 donation to help build the grant pool. Funds are awarded regularly to selected expeditions that demonstrate innovation, impact, and a clear commitment to exploration and discovery. If you're proposing an expedition and would like to be considered for the grant, simply check the box during submission to indicate your interest—our team will follow up with a brief application form and next steps.
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