Generosity funds curiosity, curiosity fuels exploration
We are an impact-driven global nonprofit that invests in bold people and transformative ideas.
We chase the big questions, challenge accepted beliefs, and push the boundaries of knowledge about our world in order to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all. Our ultimate goal is to illuminate and protect our planet, one that provides for humanity and the multitude of other species with which we share the Earth. We believe that meaningful, lasting change for the better is possible — when we work together.
Together we can change the world.
Our major gifts officers would be happy to provide you with more information about how funds are used, what you can expect from your partnership with the Society, and answer any questions you may have.
Lisa Herzog
VP, Leadership Giving
lherzog@ngs.org
Advancement Office
1145 17th St. NW
Washington DC, 20036
Phone: (800) 373-1717
Email: givinginfo@ngs.org
Benefits of leadership giving
When you make a transformational gift to support our work, you’ll receive exclusive benefits that provide special access to the people, places, and work that make up the National Geographic Society.
Named for renowned explorer Eugenie Clark, this council brings together our exceptionally generous leaders looking to push the boundaries of science, exploration, education, and storytelling and pioneer advances in science, technology, research, and conservation.
The Clark Council is entitled to all benefits associated with the Grosvenor Council, plus:
Access
- Curated annual tour of a National Geographic Museum exhibition for up to 10 guests.
- Exclusive, bi-annual Clark Council conversations with a National Geographic Explorer.
Events
- Invitation to and VIP access throughout National Geographic’s annual marquee events, including our Explorers Festival and Storytellers Summit, in Washington, D.C.
- Invitation to attend the prestigious Hubbard Medal awards dinner, with our most prominent Explorers, Hubbard Council, the Board of Trustees, and National Geographic Leadership.
- Curated calendar of events with prominent Explorers throughout the country and special invitations to VIP gatherings with Society leadership.
Travel
- Complimentary membership in National Geographic Expeditions’ Lifelong Explorer program, qualifying you for special discounts on National Geographic trips.
- Personal access to National Geographic Expeditions concierge travel service to assist you with customized travel plans.
Communications
- Annual investment reporting on how your support makes a difference.
- Bi-annual “Notes from the Field” highlighting Explorer perspectives and progress.
Recognition
- Special recognition in select National Geographic Society publications, including the Annual Impact Report and at high level events, as appropriate.
Named for the National Geographic Society's founder and first President, Gardiner Greene Hubbard, this council brings together leaders looking to transform the world.
The Hubbard Council is entitled to all benefits associated with the Clark Council, plus:
Access
- Welcome Call with National Geographic Society President or CEO
- Quarterly, interactive calls with National Geographic leadership, Explorers and program staff featuring an update on Society projects and opportunity to connect with our experts
- Participation in the annual nomination process for the awardee of The Hubbard Medal, National Geographic’s highest honor, which recognizes lifetime achievement in research, discovery, and exploration.
- Annual opportunity for a private meeting with an Explorer and senior staff member in the Founder’s Room at the historic National Geographic Society’s headquarters
- Curated, annual private tour of National Geographic Museum exhibitions in Washington, D.C. and a private tour of the National Geographic Library and Media Archives
Events
- Invitation to the Hubbard Council Annual Meeting in conjunction with Explorers Festival, to include private dinner and presentation of the Hubbard Medal
- Invitation to exclusive, regional Hubbard Council events, dinners and receptions with Explorers, experts and senior staff
- Invitations to the Society’s annual Explorers Festival, Storytellers Summit, and exhibition openings
Travel
- Invitation to travel on an exclusive, annual Hubbard Council trip, with curated experiences alongside National Geographic Society senior team leaders, Explorers and experts (to launch in 2022).
- Opportunity to plan customized travel with National Geographic Expeditions staff
- Membership in the National Geographic Expeditions Lifelong Explorer program: discounts, advance notice of all new expeditions, and pre-sale reservations
Communications
- Hubbard Council quarterly newsletter with exclusive behind-the-scenes updates
- One complimentary subscription to National Geographic magazine
Recognition
- Recognition in the National Geographic magazine’s annual donor ad, in the annual report, and at Explorers Festival, Storytellers Summit and NG Live events.
The Alexander Graham Bell Legacy Society
Named after the National Geographic Society’s second president, the Alexander Graham Bell Legacy Society honors those who have included the National Geographic Society in their estate plans through a will, trust, charitable gift annuity, or by beneficiary designation of a retirement plan such as an IRA or 401(k). Legacy gifts from the dedicated members of this group fund the Society’s science, exploration, education, and storytelling efforts around the world.
To become a member, let us know that you are leaving a gift to National Geographic through your will, trust, a DAF, a charitable gift annuity, or have listed us as a beneficiary of a retirement account, insurance plan, or other financial account.
Learn more about Planned Giving options or contact us at legacy@ngs.org or (800) 226-4438.
Members receive:
- Invitations to exclusive receptions, exhibitions, and lectures
- Personalized membership certificate and National Geographic Pin celebrating your dedication to the Society
- Our newsletter, Explore Tomorrow, which contains financial planning ideas for friends of the Society
- Recognition in the Society’s Annual Impact Report and Explore Tomorrow newsletter
Photo Credits from top of page: Mauro Sergio, Ami Vitale, Bell Collection. Below: Michael Nichols, Andy Mann, Paul Nicklen, Ami Vitale, Christian Tryon, Kenneth Garrett, Mark Thiessen.