Previously known as “The Exploration Fund Grant,” The Pathfinder Grant is designed to support graduate and post-graduate students, as well as early-career scientists, in pursuing transformative field research. From remote wilderness to ocean depths to the edges of cultural discovery, the Pathfinder Grant helps explorers turn vision into action.

Who Can Apply:
Graduate/post-graduate students and early-career scientists, from any discipline, conducting field-based research.

What We Fund:
The Pathfinder Grant provides financial support to projects that expand knowledge, advance scientific discovery, and inspire curiosity about the world around us. Funding can be used for travel, field equipment, research expenses, and other costs essential to conducting meaningful fieldwork.

Award Range:
Grants typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, helping you bring your research ideas to life.

Why Apply:
The Pathfinder Grant is more than funding—it’s an opportunity to advance scientific discovery in the field. Our goal is to support explorers in using their expertise to pursue important research, test innovative ideas, and make meaningful contributions to our understanding of the world.

Recipients of the Pathfinder Grant are welcome to become members of The Explorers Club and thereby join a community of peers and mentors dedicated to supporting impactful research and fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Questions about Eligibility or the Application Process? Please reach out to us at grants@explorers.org

Applications for the 2027 field season are now closed.

Recipients will be announced in spring, with applications reopening in summer 2027.

Missed this cycle? There are still other programs to explore — visit our main grants page to learn more.

 

Images

Main Image: Christopher Wai, PF ’22

Collage 1 (Clockwise from top left): Elephants, courtesy of Thomas LaBarge, PF ’24; Lina Mosquero, PF ’24; Nikolaus Cox, PF ’24; Samantha Hamilton, PF ’24.

Collage 2 (clockwise from top left): Michael Alexander Bliss, PF ’23; Katherine Majewski, PF ’24; Katherine Majewski by Tyson Tayler; Tamara Fletcher, PF ’24; Kenneth Keuk, PF ’23.

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Applications are closed
criteria icon
For graduate or post-graduate students, or an early career scientists conducting fieldwork.