American Keystone Species

The National Geographic Society, in collaboration with the University of California Berkeley, is seeking proposals for the "American Keystone Species" grant initiative. This funding opportunity is aimed at supporting conservation and research projects that focus on ecological, cultural, or economic keystone species within the United States and its territories. Keystone species are defined as those with a disproportionate impact on their ecosystems, cultural identity, or economic development. The funders are especially interested in projects that not only enhance scientific understanding but also incorporate Indigenous knowledge and community-led conservation efforts. This initiative seeks to identify and support individuals—researchers, conservation practitioners, Tribal leaders, and community members—who are actively engaged in projects that address the conservation and management of keystone species and their habitats. Priority will be given to proposals that aim to avert species decline, address more than one type of keystone significance (ecological, cultural, economic), and are led by local community members employing traditional or blended knowledge approaches. The grants are intended to help recipients elevate their work through financial support and by providing access to leadership training, innovative tools and technologies, and ongoing networking and exposure opportunities. Applicants may request funding up to $20,000 for projects planned to run one to two years. The grant not only provides monetary support but also offers awardees the designation of National Geographic Explorer, granting them access to a broader community and future opportunities for capacity building and engagement. To apply, all candidates must submit a pre-application through the National Geographic online portal by the deadline of May 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Following a review process, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application, with decisions on pre-applications communicated by the end of June 2025. Each applicant is allowed to submit only one proposal as the project leader, and all applications must be submitted electronically—paper or email submissions are not accepted. For questions, applicants may contact the grant administrators via email at funding@ngs.org, using the subject line “Level I Grants- American Keystones RFP.” More detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions can be accessed through the “Apply Now” section on the National Geographic website.