our nonprofit mission

We Illuminate, Protect and Preserve the Wonder of Our World

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit whose mission is to fund the conservation efforts and programs of National Geographic Society Explorers. Today, our mission is more urgent and vital than ever.
Donate to Our Mission
The Society is a global nonprofit whose mission is to fund the conservation efforts and programs of Explorers

One Brand, Two Storytelling Missions

Yes, you’ve seen us on Disney+! The National Geographic Society and The Walt Disney Company represent a joint-venture partnership which enables us, at the Society.

our approach
Bold Explorers
We fund a global community of Explorers who investigate, test hypotheses, innovate, stretch their creativity, and push the boundaries of traditional thinking in ways that change our world.
Impactful Programs
We support and cultivate a portfolio of Explorer-led programs within our six focus areas to drive impact and fulfill our mission of illuminating and protecting our world.
Education & Community
We leverage our global expertise, platforms, and unparalleled convening power to inspire educators, youth, and future Explorers and help more people learn about, care for, and protect our world.
Responsible Stewardship
Our innovative business model allows us to invest every philanthropic dollar—100% of donations—directly to our Explorers and programs. Join us to support what matters most to you.
our approach
Bold Explorers
We fund a global community of Explorers who investigate, test hypotheses, innovate, stretch their creativity, and push the boundaries of traditional thinking in ways that change our world.
Impactful Programs
We support and cultivate a portfolio of Explorer-led programs within our six focus areas to drive impact and fulfill our mission of illuminating and protecting our world.
Education & Community
We leverage our global expertise, platforms, and unparalleled convening power to inspire educators, youth, and future Explorers and help more people learn about, care for, and protect our world.
Responsible Stewardship
Our innovative business model allows us to invest every philanthropic dollar—100% of donations—directly to our Explorers and programs. Join us to support what matters most to you.
450+

Active Explorer-led conservation projects across our 6 focus areas for greater impact

140

Countries with active conservation work efforts by National Geographic Explorers

100%

Percentage of donations that go directly to fund mission-driven Explorer work and programs

Our Focus

Maximizing impact in six key areas

Oceans

Oceans

Revealing and protecting underwater worlds

Our Explorers discover, understand, and conserve marine and coastal systems and inspire and empower local and global audiences to better understand and protect the ocean.

Join Us at the Museum of Exploration: Opening Summer 2026
Explore with us

Join Us at the Museum of Exploration: Opening Summer 2026

Plan your visit for an unmatched museum experience. Join us for immersive experiences, archival footage, galleries, and theatre experiences. Discovery begins here.

Plan Your Visit
Rosa Vasquez Espinoza
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“By uniting groundbreaking conservation science with masterful storytelling, we can not only deepen our understanding of important species like penguins, but galvanize global action to protect them – demonstrating the power of collaboration in exploration and how these impactful partnerships can help us to illuminate and safeguard the wonders of our world.”

Rosa Vasquez Espinoza
National Geographic Explorer
HOW OUR BUSINESS MODEL ALLOWS FOR

Our Stewardship Approach

100% of all donations go directly to fund Explorer work.

Meet Our Explorers

Meet Our Explorers

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Our Funding Strategy

Our Funding Strategy

Learn about how we grant funding to Explorers across our six focus areas

newsroom

Latest Stories

Here are some of the most recent stories about the work of our National Geographic Explorers.

National Geographic launches first expedition in Uruguay to support the creation of new marine protected areas
Press Release
National Geographic launches first expedition in Uruguay to support the creation of new marine protected areas
March 22, 2021

The National Geographic Pristine Seas team will embark on an expedition to Uruguay to support the creation of new marine protected areas and employ exploration ...

Pristine Seas to Document the Coral Reefs of Niue—the “Rock of Polynesia,” an Ocean Protection Success Story
Press Release
Pristine Seas to Document the Coral Reefs of Niue—the “Rock of Polynesia,” an Ocean Protection Success Story
July 5, 2023

Forty percent of Niue’s waters are fully protected; Beveridge Reef harbors large abundance of gray reef sharks, 80-pound groupers, and other marine life. Photo ...

National Geographic Society and Angolan Government Commit to Safeguarding the Okavango River Basin Headwaters: Ceremonial Signing of Cooperation Protocol at Angolan Premiere of National Geographic’s “Into the Okavango” in Luanda, Angola
Blog Post
National Geographic Society and Angolan Government Commit to Safeguarding the Okavango River Basin Headwaters: Ceremonial Signing of Cooperation Protocol at Angolan Premiere of National Geographic’s “Into the Okavango” in Luanda, Angola
December 11, 2018
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