Using the power of science, exploration, education,
and storytelling to illuminate and protect
Investing in a diverse, global community of changemakers
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 fundamentally change our world.
Impactful Programs
We support and cultivate a portfolio of diverse, Explorer-led programs within our five focus areas to drive impact and fulfill our mission of illuminating and protecting our world.
Connection & Education
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.
Maximizing impact
in five key areas
Revealing and protecting underwater worlds
Our Explorers work in oceanography, marine/coastal ecology, climate science, ocean exploration technology, community-based conservation, and related fields.
Preserving and protecting land environments
Our Explorers work in terrestrial geosciences, terrestrial/freshwater ecology, climate science, conservation technology, community-based conservation, and related fields.
Protecting and conserving wildlife
Our Explorers work in ethology, population biology, evolutionary biology, conservation technology, species conservation, and related fields.
Understanding our past and protecting our future
Our Explorers work in archaeology, cultural anthropology, paleoanthropology, human geography and migration, and related fields.
Supporting innovation
Our Explorers work in applied artificial intelligence and technology, innovations in climate adaptation, natural resource and systems sustainability, outer space, and related fields.
Your impact begins today!
Supporting future changemakers
Meet Our Explorers
Meet Our Explorers
Our Funding Strategy
Our Funding Strategy
Cultivating an environment of opportunity, mutual respect,
and belonging
Learning from our past, examining our present, and building a more inclusive future.
We believe we can only achieve our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world when people of every race, identity, experience, and ability have a role in our work. Although we have much more work to do, the Society has made strides to achieve and maintain equity.
Latest perspectives, news, and stories
Photo Credits from top of page: Explorer portraits: David Gill, Owen Bissell (2), Matt Ferguson, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Patrick Carr. Michael Nichols, Beverly Joubert, Roger Horrocks, Joshua Irwandi, Emily Shur, Joe McKendry (illustration), Okavango Wilderness Project/Guardians of the River, Octavio Aburto, Armando Vega. Below: Michael Nichols, Andy Mann, Paul Nicklen, Ami Vitale, Christian Tryon, Kenneth Garrett, Mark Thiessen.