Deadline: September 30, 2025
The National Geographic Society, in partnership with PepsiCo, has announced its 2025 Call for Proposals: Building Resilience in Agriculture. This funding opportunity invites individuals working on real-world, field-based agricultural solutions to apply for grants of up to USD 150,000 for projects running up to two years.
If you’re an agricultural innovator committed to sustainable and regenerative farming practices, the Call for Proposals: Building Resilience in Agriculture 2025 presents a unique opportunity to lead impactful change while joining the global community of National Geographic Explorers.
About the Initiative
The Building Resilience in Agriculture Initiative supports real-world interventions on working farms or landscapes that involve food crops. The initiative is focused on promoting regenerative and climate-smart agriculture in a way that delivers measurable benefits to both the environment and farming communities.
Applicants whose proposals are selected will receive funding, gain access to exclusive events, and receive mentorship and capacity-building support as National Geographic Explorers.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is open to individuals aged 18 and above from any country who:
- Have experience in leading agricultural projects.
- Are working directly with farmers or farming communities.
- Are focused on regenerative or climate-smart agriculture practices.
Note: Organisations and teams are not eligible. Applications must be led by individuals.
Project Focus and Eligibility Criteria
✅ Eligible Projects Must:
- Be field-based (not laboratory or theoretical research).
- Be co-designed with farmers.
- Involve food crops only (e.g. rice, maize, wheat, soy, cocoa, potatoes, oilseeds, sugar beets, etc.).
- Clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes in at least two of the following areas:
- Soil health
- Climate adaptation and/or mitigation
- Watershed health
- Biodiversity (e.g. pollinators, microbial soil life, forest restoration)
- Improved farmer livelihoods and equitable access
❌ Not Eligible:
- Projects involving livestock or non-food crops.
- Projects focused on land conversion or infrastructure development.
- Basic research or technology development not yet tested on farms.
- Proposals exceeding the budget or lacking confirmed co-funding (if applicable).
- Applications led by current National Geographic staff.
Grant Benefits
Successful applicants will receive more than just funding. Benefits include:
- Grant of up to $150,000 for up to two years.
- Designation as a National Geographic Explorer.
- Participation in a multi-day convening in 2026 at National Geographic’s Base Camp in Washington, DC.
- Opportunity to attend an exclusive partner event in Europe (January 2026).
- Access to mentorship, capacity building, training, and media features across National Geographic’s platforms.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT
- Applicant Webinars:
- August 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM EDT
- August 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT
Ensure you register early to gain full access to the application portal and resources.
Application Tips
To increase your chances of success:
- Align your project with two or more impact areas mentioned above.
- Show how the project benefits farmers directly.
- Include a clear monitoring and evaluation plan.
- Demonstrate cost-efficiency and long-term sustainability.
- Highlight previous experience in similar or related work.
Why This Matters
This call for proposals comes at a critical time when climate-smart agriculture and regenerative practices are essential for food system resilience. The programme is particularly relevant for those working in climate-vulnerable regions, smallholder systems, or Indigenous-led initiatives.
Through this grant, the National Geographic Society aims to scale up impactful solutions that protect biodiversity, restore soils, adapt to climate challenges, and uplift farmers’ livelihoods.
Final Thoughts
If you are passionate about agriculture, sustainability, and community impact, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the Call for Proposals: Building Resilience in Agriculture 2025. This could be your gateway to joining a powerful global network and receiving world-class support for your agricultural innovations.
For support with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
