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Grants for Expeditions & Travel

By: Kevin Watson MSc - Updated: 13 Mar 2024 | comments*Discuss
 
Expeditions Travel Grants Award Teams

Anyone with an idea for an unusual expedition abroad, or for a trip that has a purpose other than a holiday, should seek details about available grants. There’s a wide range of bodies willing to help with the cost of mounting an expedition. Some of them are also able to attract publicity and further sponsorship.

Don’t Delay

It’s vital, though, to start looking for support without delay. Some grant applications can take a while to process. Others lay down criteria that an expedition team may not be able to meet straightaway.

Universities

One common source of expedition funding is universities. University College London (UCL), for example, has an expeditions and travel committee.

The UCL committee makes annual awards of expedition grants to teams of students who wish to explore challenging environments around the globe. These environments must demand unique team and organisational skills.

Individual UCL students can also apply for travel grants. Again, the travel must be challenging. It should also have a clear purpose and require personal initiative.

Another instance of a higher education body with a travel and education committee is the University of East Anglia. The committee not only gives grants to students who wish to travel; it also suggests additional sources of finance.

Royal Geographical Society

The Royal Geographical Society has grants available for teachers, researchers, postgraduates and undergraduates.

The Society has a total of around 25 grants and awards. These provide funds to 40 – 50 teams each year.

The Journey of a Lifetime award, for example, is for a trip to any destination on the planet. The funding is £4,000.

The Neville Shulman Challenge Award goes to a team that increases understanding of the world through exploration. The amount of the award is up to £8,000.

YET

The Young Explorers’ Trust (YET) has a grant scheme for anyone under 19. The purpose of the scheme is to help young people engage in adventurous expeditions. Such expeditions must have YET approval.Other YET awards include the David Hollier Expedition Award and the Stephenson Expedition Award.

The David Hollier Award does not insist on certain criteria. But successful applicants usually have connections with scouting or the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The Stephenson Expedition Award generally goes to polar expeditions.

Gilchrist Educational Trust

The Gilchrist Educational Trust in West Sussex has grants of £1,000 - £2,000 for small or medium-sized expedition teams. A team must intend to conduct scientific research. Team members must also be willing to contribute their own money towards expedition costs.

British Mountaineering Council

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can supply money for international climbing expeditions. Applicants must be BMC members. They should also show that a grant would make a substantial difference to the proposed trip.

British Sub-Aqua Club

The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) runs an expeditions grant scheme known as BEGS. Every year, BSAC has five expedition awards, each worth £1,000. The purpose of a BSAC expedition must be to discover new dive sites or improve the skills of a team of divers. To apply, divers must be BSAC members.

Support

The above are just a few examples of expedition and travel grants in the UK. The country has a long tradition of supporting exploration; so those who have a proposal for a trip may well find help.

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My name is Rebecca and I’m 17yrs of age, and studying Animal Welfare at Kingston Maurewood College. I am writing to seek funding for an upcoming conservation expedition to Costa Rica organized by Camps International . Our project aims to address critical environmental issues, contribute to biodiversity conservation, and engage local communities in sustainable practices. **Project Overview:** The expedition, scheduled for August 2025, will focus on rural community projects and marine conservation projects . Our team comprises experienced environmental scientists, educators, and community outreach specialists committed to making a lasting impact on the region. **Objectives:** 1. Conduct in-depth ecological research to better understand and document the unique biodiversity in the targeted areas. 2. Implement conservation initiatives to protect endangered species and their habitats. 3. Collaborate with local communities to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about environmental conservation. **Budget Breakdown:** Grant Money will help with accommodation, research equipment, community outreach programs, and other essential expenses. **Expected Outcomes:** 1. A report detailing our findings and recommendations for conservation efforts. 2. Increased awareness and engagement within local communities regarding environmental issues. 3. Implementation of sustainable practices that contribute to the long-term well-being of the region. **Why Your Support Matters:** By supporting our expedition, you will play a pivotal role in preserving Costa Rica's unique ecosystems and promoting a sustainable future for both its wildlife and communities. Your investment will contribute to global efforts to combat biodiversity loss and climate change. **Conclusion:** We believe that this expedition will not only generate valuable scientific knowledge but also foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship among local communities. We kindly request Grant Money to make this ambitious project a reality. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for any additional information. Sincerely, Rebecca Hammond
Becca - 13-Mar-24 @ 8:02 PM
Hello, my name is Alice.I am a 15 year old student and have been given an amazing opportunity by the Camps International organisation to join a 4 week expedition to Ecuador in the summer of 2024. It promises to be an educational, life changing and beneficial trip. During my time in Ecuador , I will gain an understanding of the community and culture. I will also be involved with community based product work and contribute to making the community better for the people who live there. In addition to this, I will be helping to build stable housing including schools, helping to improve education in the area. I will also be helping with the provision of clean water and sanitary facilities which will improve sanitation and hygiene.We will be camping at several locations along the way. This expedition, as well as involving me in the Ecuadorian culture, will benefit the community and also help me develop my leadership, communication and team skills. All the experience and skills I gain will further my education, broaden my horizon for job opportunities and benefit me later in life. The total cost of this expedition is £5000 I am responsible for raising this amount by the deadline of 1st May 2024. In order to finance this expedition, I will be holding various fundraising events but I also hope to secure some sponsorship, contributions and donations. My mum is a disabled single parent working part time If you would like to help me with this challenge, be it in the form of a contribution, donation, all contributions will be gratefully received and appreciated. Thank you, Alice Edwards
Alice - 13-Feb-23 @ 8:28 PM
Hello, my name is Skye .I am a 14 year old student and have been given an amazing opportunity by the Camps International organisation to join a 4 week expedition to Peru in the summer of 2024. It promises to be an educational, life changing and beneficial trip. During my time in Peru, I will gain an understanding of the community and culture. I will also be involved with community based product work and contribute to making the community better for the people who live there. In addition to this, I will be helping to build stable housing including schools, helping to improve education in the area. I will also be helping with the provision of clean water and sanitary facilities which will improve sanitation and hygiene. Towards the end of the expedition, I will join a 4 day trek to a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru. We will be camping at several locations along the way. This expedition, as well as involving me in the Peruvian culture, will benefit the community and also help me develop my leadership, communication and team skills. All the experience and skills I gain will further my education, broaden my horizon for job opportunities and benefit me later in life. The total cost of this expedition is £4,180. I am responsible for raising this amount by the deadline of 1st May 2024. In order to finance this expedition, I will be holding various fundraising events but I also hope to secure some sponsorship, contributions and donations. If you would like to help me with this challenge, be it in the form of a contribution, donation, all contributions will be gratefully received and appreciated. Thank you, Skye
Hannah - 4-Jan-23 @ 7:58 PM
Hey I'm here to ask for some support / a grant. What is available to be supported for travel and accommodation? There's a indigenous medicine healing facility that I want to experience. Id like to bring back information into the world and for my own healing and personal exploration to be human. I'm interested in self discovery of the human experience. Thank you.
Zach - 22-Dec-20 @ 11:42 PM
I would like to ask for a personal grant as an individual for an expedition I am fundraising for. I am a 15 year old girl and I have signed up for the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition taking place in 2021, with Camps international. During four weeks me and my local students will be working on a range of sustainable and meaningful, community and conservation projects as well as undertaking the personal adventure challenge of a PADI Open Water Scuba Diving course.I will get to help newly hatched Hawksbill sea turtles cross the beach. Camps International have already planted 1 million trees all over the globe and when I'm in Costa Rica I will have the opportunity to plant more and save the habitats of sloths living there. We will also help the locals living in rural areas who are in poverty and need basic resources. Some things we'll be doing are helping to dig foundations forclassrooms, collecting litter to be recycled, and spending time with the local children there, teaching them English and learning about their culture. This is a great opportunity for me and would be very useful for my future. I am fundraising all the money and need to make a total of £4,570. I am asking for a minimum of £500 and I would appreciate all the help i can get in achieving this goal as due to Covid-19 fundraisinghas become extremely difficult. Thank you for your time
Krystelle - 22-Dec-20 @ 7:46 PM
My son is in yr8 of a local school with a trip planned for April 21 to Italy skiing it's cost is over £900 & with my new circumstances being that I now rely on benefits & my low income part time job, the school won't help subsidise the cost only tell me that basically (as it's not a residential trip in school time) I need to pay in full or he can't go. I feel this is so unfair to my son as it's not his fault. Any advice on how to get help? Many thanks in advance
Maz - 29-Sep-20 @ 12:24 PM
My son is in year 6 and has a residential trip coming up to London which costs £340 I was able to pay the deposit of £40, I'm now single parent and on benefits after a split from my partner. I borrowed money to put towards the 2nd instalment of £100. I got told from another parent about this help I could possibly get, if there is any help I'd be truly grateful. Thankyou
Shelie - 17-Mar-20 @ 3:11 AM
My daughter has been given the opportunity to go to Cambodia for 4 weeks to help develop a village. Build classrooms,kitchens,toilets and make water safe
Chellbo - 11-Feb-20 @ 1:56 PM
Hi my son from academy third year and them history teacher decided go for school trip overseas next year. And it need pay 650£. Im single of two boys mum and working just 16 hours per week. Can i get any help with this trip cost. Thanks
Laimux - 4-Feb-20 @ 6:12 AM
I am single grandmother and have residencyorder for 2 grandchildren. My oldest grandaughter has chance to go to france with secondary school costing £460 can I get help with cost of trip have had to pay £122 for passport.
Amma - 1-Jan-20 @ 7:52 PM
I am going to Kenya for 4 weeks, I am currently fundraising so that I can go and build schools, houses and water pipes to help improve their situations and make their lives longer, It would be very appreciated if you could help me out with a grant, the total cost of this trip is £3980 but I would only like £250 if you can help me that would be amazing. Thank you for reading and hope you consider me, Alex James Taylor
Alex James - 10-Dec-19 @ 7:06 PM
I would like to ask for a personal grant as an individual for an expedition I am fundraising for. I am a 14 year old girl and I have signed up for the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition taking place in 2021, with Camps international. During four weeks me and my local students will be working on a range of sustainable and meaningful, community and conservation projects as well as undertaking the personal adventure challenge of a PADI Open Water Scuba Diving course. Part of this expedition is to help endangered animals and explore new species I've never seen before. I will get to help newly hatched Hawksbill sea turtles cross the beach as they are currently endangered. Camps International have already planted 1 million trees all over the globe and when I'm in Costa Rica I will have the opportunity to plant more and save the habitats of sloths living there. Not only will we be helping animals and planting trees, we will also help the locals living in rural areas who are in poverty and need basic resources. Some things we'll be doing is helping to dig foundations for a classroom, collecting rubbish to be recycled, and spending time with the local children there, teaching them English and learning about their culture. This is a great opportunity for me and would be very useful for my future. I am fundraising all the money and need to make a total of £4,570. I would appreciate your help in achieving this goal and experiencing this amazing opportunity.
Krystelle - 9-Dec-19 @ 9:58 PM
Hello My daughter is signed up for a trip to trek Borneo jungle and support with community projects in 2020. When we agreed to this trip it was totally affordable however since this due to ill health her dad is currently unemployed and the house hold income has more than halved. Dad isn't able to be back at work and mum cant physically earn enough to pay for life and the trip. Is this something that you can help with please.
Tc - 12-Nov-19 @ 4:05 PM
My daughter has the opportunity to travel to cern in Switzerland next year which is costing £550 per student for the week, visiting the un building, redcross museum etc. We are currently on universal credit and she is in sixth form working to be a paramedic. Is their any help I would qualify for in order to help her.
Ste - 29-Oct-19 @ 1:13 PM
Hi I was wondering if my child would qualify for any grants available to go on a school trip to New York next year. I believe this trip is going to Cost in the region of 1200 pounds. She is already going skiing with CCF which has cost 900 pounds and has also been asked to go on a trip to France with her French group. These trips are very difficult to pay for as I am still paying for them and this opportunity of a life time has arisen which I feel is just beyond my reach so any help that is available would be gratefully received. Thank you in advance for any help you can give.
Snapshot - 26-Sep-19 @ 10:41 PM
Hi A friend of mine has a daughter at secondary school who has the opportunity to travel to China with school however this is classed as a sightseeing trip therefore no funding is apparently available. She is studying the language at school and has travelled to China this year Adam educational trip which was partly funded.she has also travelled as part of an exchange program to spain, has france arranged and has taken part in supporting a exchange student once,also have another student staying next week.The daughter is a high achiever at school and her mum is trying to make sure she has all the experiences available to her but she is struggling due to the financial commitments of the trips as she is on long term sign due to a spinal condition. I thought I would enquire for her to see if there is any additional support/funding available for them. I would appreciate any feedback or any ideas of where this help may be sought. Regards Danielle
Danni - 17-Sep-19 @ 1:39 PM
Hi there, Would I qualify for any funding to go on a 2 week trip, costing £2300 to a wildlife reserve in Nambia, South Africa. I really want to gain experience with wild animals and get up close and personal go see if its something I want to do in the future but I don't think my family can afford it.
Abbie - 12-Sep-19 @ 7:09 PM
I have been offered an opportunity to attendeda Disaster Risk Reduction workshop in London with a total budget of £5,000., would this grant apply to that? If no, could you please advise on any alternative grants which I can apply to for help with the funding. Thank you
RodneyG - 11-Sep-19 @ 1:11 AM
Hi I have been invited to an internal STEM event overseas and would like information on how to apply for a grant to attend. I will be volunteering to promote STEM in schools, as well as aid towards promoting existing participants in this event towards achieving more successful careers. Any ideas/suggestions as to relevant organisations to apply for? Many thanks
stormzy - 17-Jul-19 @ 10:23 AM
Hi there, I am in the initial stages of starting a Therapeutic community in the Midlands. There is a community which is inspirational called the San Patrignano community it Italy. I'd love to spend some time with them and get a feel for how a nfp can run based on social enterprise. I'm early 40s, have extensive experience in this work but have decided that a different approach to homelessness, addiction & mental illness should be driven forward.
Steve - 20-Jun-19 @ 12:12 AM
Hi, I am 15 and have been given the opportunity to go to Kenya for 4 weeks to help build schooling equipment, help children in school and help make life better for those living in really poor conditions. The trip is £3940. I have started a go fund me page and will be hoping to do bag packing in various shopping centres but this is a huge amount and looking for any advice on where to get donations
Tayla - 8-May-19 @ 2:27 PM
Hi any help is appreciated my son who is autistic has been given a chance of a lifetime going to Kenya next year for 4 weeks, they will be learning how they live and their culture, help build buildings thru camps international hes obviously going to be fundraising but wondered is there any Grant's that might help for a single parent who is a carer that can help towards the cost
Dee - 2-May-19 @ 10:51 PM
Hi, I may have the opportunity to join a sailing voyage for scientific research on plastic pollution and raising awareness. I haven't been accepted yet but thought I should have a look to see if any funding was available to help with the costs a bit. Do you have any advice? Thanks
Vicky - 19-Mar-19 @ 8:53 AM
Hi, im inquiring some advice on what to do, i am 16 years old and i have been accepted on an exepidtion to travel to Kenya, this trip will allow me travel around kenya visiting orphanages around kenya in the rift valley and nairobi, the trip is £1400, i cannot afford to go as i am at breaking point, i have attempted to raise money for it but its just not enough, the grant would mean the world to me. Cheers Rick
RICK - 18-Sep-18 @ 2:48 PM
Dan - Your Question:
Hi , me and my friends are planning an adventure around the world cycling. And along the way would like to go to schools to share our adventure and at the same time teach kids around the world of where we are from and the places we have seen. We would like to offer this free to the schools who would be interested. We plan on raising most of the expenses our selfs. But was wondering if we could have some kind of support regarding sponsorship or fundraising to help support our project. We plan on having a running blog and uploading videos of our adventure along the way.

Our Response:
Talk to local businesses, perhaps one or two would be willing to sponsor you in return for a mention on your blog, on social media and in local press etc?
GrantsExpert - 10-Aug-18 @ 10:57 AM
Hi , me and my friends are planning an adventure around the world cycling . And along the way would like to go to schools to share our adventure and at the same time teach kids around the world of where we are from and the places we have seen . We would like to offer this free to the schools who would be interested . We plan on raising most of the expenses our selfs . But was wondering if we could have some kind of support regarding sponsorship or fundraising to help support our project. We plan on having a running blog and uploading videos of our adventure along the way .
Dan - 8-Aug-18 @ 12:41 PM
Abigail - Your Question:
My 15 year old daughter has just been offered a place on an expedition to Nicaragua and Costa Rica to help build houses and water pumps for poverty stricken places. She has to pay £4140 by July 2019 and I just can’t afford that on my own. We’re planning on fundraising some of the costs but I’m worried we won’t be able to get all of it and she will be dissapointed. What can I do to get any grants if any.

Our Response:
This is quite common and usually the organiser will help with ideas for fundraising and the group can do some fundraising together. We're not aware of any grants for this kind of things. She should also try talking to local businesses etc to see if she can get sponsorship or donations.
GrantsExpert - 15-May-18 @ 3:38 PM
Hi, i am 15 years old andhave been given the chance to go to Ecuador in 2019 where i will be helping with the local communities, this is a one month trip and i will be helping the local communities learn English,constructing vital facilities for the community, installing new water facilities , planting food trees for animals and much more. the cost is over £4000, is there any grants that can help me out.
LOZ - 13-May-18 @ 7:46 PM
My 15 year old daughter has just been offered a place on an expedition to Nicaragua and Costa Rica to help build houses and water pumps for poverty stricken places. She has to pay £4140 by July 2019 and I just can’t afford that on my own. We’re planning on fundraising some of the costs but I’m worried we won’t be able to get all of it and she will be dissapointed. What can I do to get any grants if any.
Abigail - 12-May-18 @ 5:40 PM
Heather - Your Question:
My daughterr has won a place to take part in the international scout jamboree in west virginia, USA in july 2019. the cos of the trip is £3500 are there an grants that would help fund this?

Our Response:
Not specifically, the scouts are expected to do fundraising etc to raise money for their places. Has your daughter's scout troop arranged any events for this? We know of scouts local to us have done long distance swims, bag packs etc toward it. Local businesses are also good to try (especially if you agree to thank them publicly or stitch a logo to your bag etc).
GrantsExpert - 31-Jan-18 @ 2:14 PM
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