All scientific research or conservation projects, especially those involving fieldwork in the tropics, require money to fund their activities. In an increasingly competitive funding landscape where grant funds can be limited, it is essential for early career individuals to know how to raise funds for their research or conservation projects. The goal of this session is to familiarize participants with grants and funding opportunities available to them as early-career scientists and conservationists. As a result of attending this session, participants will leave with a better understanding of how to best position themselves and their work for funding through traditional grant resources. This workshop is intended for participants with minimal fundraising experience.

During this interactive session with National Geographic Society staff and Explorers, participants will obtain guidance on understanding the landscape of global funders and creating a project fundraising strategy. Participants will receive information from the presenters about grant opportunities with the National Geographic Society and elsewhere, as well as tips for writing competitive grant proposals, and the space to discuss challenges and opportunities the participants have encountered in their fundraising journey. A panel of National Geographic Explorers will share their insights and personal experiences preparing grant applications, managing donors, and providing useful tips for fundraising success.

The workshop will feature one overarching presentation, broken into three sections: fundraising strategy, drafting a strong grant/funding proposal, and a panel of National Geographic Explorers who can speak to their experience fundraising.

The section on fundraising strategy will focus on how individuals can prepare for fundraising and identify potential donors. This will include a brief overview of a representative sample of grant funders, especially those who have a history of funding early career scientists.

The section focusing on drafting a strong funding proposal will go over basic tips and tools for writing a competitive grant application. This includes an overview of concise writing, how to frame a strong proposal, and strategies for success both during the application phase and after receiving an award. Information about National Geographic Society grant opportunities will be included.

The third section of this workshop will feature a panel of National Geographic Explorers who will share their insights and personal experiences preparing grant applications, managing donors and providing useful tips for fundraising success. They will also answer participant questions and provide first hand experience in successful fundraising.