Deadline: November 30, 2025
Are you planning an ambitious expedition that challenges boundaries and expands global understanding? The Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award 2025–2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity to secure funding for humanitarian, scientific, or educational fieldwork.
This prestigious award, administered by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), continues the legacy of the Transglobe Expedition Trust by supporting projects that reflect the same spirit of adventure, resilience, and purpose as the original Transglobe Expedition.
About the Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award 2025–2026
The Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award 2025–2026 provides financial support to individuals or teams carrying out challenging expeditions with clear human, scientific or educational value. Inspired by the iconic Transglobe Expedition—the first and only expedition to circumnavigate the globe vertically—the award is ideal for explorers aiming to make a meaningful impact through fieldwork and storytelling.
Administered by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), the award continues the mission of the now-merged Transglobe Expedition Trust.
What Does the Award Fund?
The grant typically offers between £2,000 and £5,000 to selected applicants. In exceptional cases, larger grants may be considered based on the merit and scale of the proposed expedition.
Eligible projects must be:
- Humanitarian in purpose (e.g., health, disaster relief, refugee response)
- Scientific in focus (e.g., environmental research, biodiversity studies)
- Educational in impact (e.g., youth-led learning, cultural exchange)
Projects must show ambition, thorough planning, and a tangible commitment to fieldwork ethics and safety.
Who Can Apply?
The award is open to individuals or teams from any nationality or discipline, provided they can demonstrate a strong project plan that aligns with the award’s core values.
Applicants must submit:
- A full proposal detailing objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
- A comprehensive risk assessment, emergency response plan, and ethical review
- Two reference letters (sent directly to the Royal Geographical Society)
Note: Applications outside the standard cycle may be considered if your project involves urgent or short-notice opportunities. However, you must contact the RGS team in advance to discuss.
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Deadline/Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 30 November 2025 |
| Earliest Project Start Date | 1 April 2026 |
Why Apply for the Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award?
This is not just funding—it’s a badge of credibility backed by one of the world’s leading geographical societies. Whether you’re climbing new heights, documenting climate change, or running grassroots education campaigns, this award provides the recognition and support to bring your vision to life.
How to Apply
To apply for the Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award 2025–2026, you’ll need to:
- Prepare your application materials following the RGS guidance.
- Submit the required documents and references via the official online form.
Need Help With Your Proposal?
If you need support in drafting, refining, or reviewing your expedition proposal, risk assessment, or ethics statement, contact grantsdatabase.org for expert assistance.
