The National Geographic Society, with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., is inviting proposals for The Human Thread, a grant for storytelling projects about the origins and present-day expressions of the world’s cultures and religions. Filmmakers, photographers, writers, audio producers and other storytellers can apply for up to US$100,000.
The deadline is 1 December 2026. The call is listed as open worldwide, so African storytellers can apply.
At a Glance
| Funder | National Geographic Society, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. |
| Focus | Storytelling on the origins and contemporary expressions of global cultures and religions |
| Level I | Up to US$20,000 for people new to National Geographic funding (1-year project) |
| Level II | Up to US$100,000 for more established applicants (up to 2-year project) |
| Who can apply | Storytellers aged 18+ (listed as worldwide) |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
About The Human Thread
The grant is part of National Geographic’s Human Histories and Cultures focus area. It supports stories that illuminate the vast range of human experience: where cultures and faiths come from, and how they’re lived today. National Geographic now gives grants through specific, time-bound calls like this one, instead of a general open call.
Benefits
- Level I: up to US$20,000 over one year, for people new to National Geographic funding
- Level II: up to US$100,000 over up to two years, for more established storytellers
- The prestige of a National Geographic Society grant
- The chance to join National Geographic’s global community of Explorers
Some listings say National Geographic may no longer use fixed Level I and II amounts, so check the funding terms in the official call when you apply.
Eligibility
- You must be 18 or older.
- You must have the skills and experience to lead the project, backed by a portfolio of previous media work.
- You must have a strong understanding of, and connection to, the communities or subjects you document. Applicants with lived experience or established relationships may get priority.
- The project leader must write the application and carry out the project.
- Applications must be in English.
- The project should start at least six months after the deadline.
What You’ll Need
- A portfolio of previous storytelling or media work (required)
- A project description: the story, the communities involved and your approach
- A budget and details of collaborators
- Evidence of relevant storytelling experience
How to Apply
- Read The Human Thread call for proposals on National Geographic’s grants page.
- Create an account on the National Geographic Society Funding Portal.
- Choose The Human Thread opportunity, not a general grant, and complete your application.
- Submit before 1 December 2026.
Official National Geographic Society grants page · The Human Thread on the Funding Portal (login required)
Tips for African Storytellers
- Tell stories from your own community. Lived experience is a stated priority, so stories about Yoruba, Amhara, Swahili coast or Sufi traditions told from the inside can stand out.
- Build a strong portfolio of your best published or broadcast work, with links.
- Be specific about the story, the people and the format, whether that’s documentary, photo essay, podcast or long-form writing.
- Start with Level I if you’ve never had National Geographic funding.
