Become a Member
Join us in our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world
Our global community is composed of philanthropic, passionate, and determined changemakers — like you — from every corner of the globe.
When you become a National Geographic Society Contributing Member, you have the opportunity to further your impact, affect change, and leave a lasting impression on this earth. Your generosity is a commitment to curiosity — it helps us explore and protect the wonder of our world — all while receiving special benefits.
Make your gift today.
The Museum is Coming!
Celebrate the upcoming grand opening of National Geographic Society’s Museum of Exploration by making a Contributing Member Passport level gift of $99 or above and unlock unlimited access to the museum when it opens Summer 2026.
When you become a National Geographic Society member,
you have the opportunity to further your impact, affect change, and leave a lasting impression on this earth.
Your generosity is a commitment to curiosity — it helps us explore and protect the wonder of our world — all while receiving special benefits:
National Geographic Membership Card
Proudly display your commitment to illuminating and protecting the wonders of our world.
Annual Printed Calendar
Celebrate the wonder of our world through the lens of National Geographic photographers.
Special Member Updates
Be the first to hear announcements, special features and updates about our Explorers and programs.
Contributing
Member
As a National Geographic Contributing Member, your annual gift supports scientific fieldwork and conservation programs around the globe. Your generosity will help us explore and protect our planet’s wildlife and wild places.
JOIN NOWGrosvenor Council
Member
Named for one of the first editors of National Geographic magazine, Grosvenor Council members play a leading role in some of the most extraordinary science and exploration taking place today. In thanks for your commitment, you’ll receive exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Society.
Contributing Member
- Monthly e-newsletter including mission updates, event information, museum updates and discounts.
- Printed annual calendar filled with vibrant full-color images that celebrate the wonder of our world through the lens of National Geographic photographers
- A front-row seat to the mission you help bring to life
- Individual, Dual, Family
- The above benefits, plus
- Unlimited complimentary admission to the Museum of Exploration in Washington D.C. depending on membership level
- 10% museum store discount
- 20% discount during membership month (February)
- 20% holiday shopping discount during first or second week of December
- 10% food and beverage discount
- Member Card (physical and/or digital)
- Unlimited complimentary admission to the Museum of Exploration in Washington D.C. depending on membership level
- Invitations to Museum of Exploration special events, such as:
- Annual and seasonal member events
- Exhibit openings with three (3) days of member-only access to exhibits before they open to the general public
- Unlimited complimentary admission to the Museum of Exploration opening in Summer 2026 in Washington, D.C
Grosvenor Council Member
ACCESS
- Complimentary Museum of Exploration admissions (up to 4 guests per visit)
- Early access to pre-sale tickets (limit of up to 8 per order)
- Early access to reserve tickets for Immersive Experience
- 10% museum store discount
- 20% discount during membership month in February
- 20% holiday shopping week discount during December
- 10% food and beverage discount
- Member Card (physical and digital)
- Donors who make an annual commitment of $1,000 or more between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 will receive a special edition member card for use at the Museum of Exploration, and a commemorative gift made from salvaged materials from the construction site.
EVENTS
- Early access to admission and priority seating for special events in Grosvenor Auditorium at the Museum of Exploration if seats are not assigned
- Invitations to exclusive “Insider Calls” three times per year, featuring programmatic updates directly from National Geographic Explorers and Society staff
- Virtual invitations to livestreaming of the Society’s annual Storytellers Summit and Explorers Festival
COMMUNICATIONS
- Complimentary digital and print subscription to National Geographic magazine including unlimited digital access, the online archive, exclusive ebooks, and popular streaming films *
- Monthly Grosvenor Council e-newsletter and announcements from Society leadership to be the first to hear about exciting discoveries, program impact, museum updates, etc.
- Printed annual calendar filled with vibrant full-color images that celebrate the wonder of our world through the lens of National Geographic photographers
- Inclusion in the Grosvenor Council Insights Panel
RECOGNITION
- Recognition on Digital Donor Wall at the Museum of Exploration
- National Geographic’s official Yellow Border pin
- Special recognition in select National Geographic Society publications, including the Annual Report
*Note: This benefit has fair market value. In accordance with IRS regulations, members are not eligible for these benefits if they received goods or services equal to the value of their gift, or if their gift was fully tax-deductible, including giving through Donor Advised Funds or Qualified Charitable Distributions.
ACCESS
- Complimentary Museum of Exploration admissions (up to 5 guests per visit)
- Early access to pre-sale tickets (limit of up to 8 per order)
- Early access to reserve tickets for the Immersive Experience
- 10% museum store discount
- 20% discount during membership month in February
- 20% holiday shopping week discount during December
- 10% food and beverage discount
- Member Card (physical and digital)
- Donors who make an annual commitment of $1,000 or more between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 will receive a special edition member card for use at the Museum of Exploration and a commemorative gift made from salvaged materials from the construction site.
EVENTS
- Early access to admission and priority seating for special events in Grosvenor Auditorium at the Museum of Exploration if seats are not assigned
- Invitations to exclusive “Insider Calls” three times per year, featuring programmatic updates directly from National Geographic Explorers and Society staff
- Virtual invitations to livestreaming of the Society’s annual Storytellers Summit and Explorers Festival
- Select in-person regional events
COMMUNICATIONS
- Complimentary digital and print subscription to National Geographic magazine including unlimited digital access, the online archive, exclusive ebooks, and popular streaming films *
- Monthly Grosvenor Council e-newsletter and announcements from Society leadership to be the first to hear about exciting discoveries, program impact, museum updates, etc.
- Printed annual calendar filled with vibrant full-color images that celebrate the wonder of our world through the lens of National Geographic photographers
- Inclusion in the Grosvenor Council Insights Panel
RECOGNITION
- Recognition on Digital Donor Wall at the Museum of Exploration
- National Geographic’s official Yellow Border pin
- Special recognition in select National Geographic Society publications, including the Annual Report
*Note: This benefit has fair market value. In accordance with IRS regulations, members are not eligible for these benefits if they received goods or services equal to the value of their gift, or if their gift was fully tax-deductible, including giving through Donor Advised Funds or Qualified Charitable Distributions.
Changemakers Circle
Coming soon in 2026: Changemakers Circle is an opportunity to join a vibrant and social community of young professionals (ages 21-39) who are passionate about creating positive change in our world. With a single contribution of $250 or more, you’ll receive:
- Special access to curated networking and professional development events
- Opportunities to meet National Geographic Explorers to learn more about their critical research and experiences
- Complimentary, unlimited access for you and a guest to the Museum of Exploration
- National Geographic yellow border laptop sticker
More ways to give
Through employer matching gifts, future gifts, and other tax-savvy contributions, there are many ways for you to support exploration and help solve our world’s most pressing challenges.
Major Gifts
Through employer matching gifts, specialized giving opportunities, and other tax-savvy contributions, there are many ways for you to support exploration and help solve our world’s most pressing challenges.
Our donors and partners help us make a lasting impact.
All donations go directly to our Explorers and misson programs.
More than 150 virtual Explorer Classroom sessions reached 150,000 students in 2020.
We provided emergency funding to 10 Big Cats Initiative grantees working on lion conservation in Africa during the pandemic.
Together we can change the world.
David Glass
Advancement Office
The National Geographic Society
1145 17th St. NW
Washington DC, 20036
Phone: (800) 373-1717
Email: [email protected]
Our federal tax identification number is 53-0193519.
The Impact of Your Contribution
Your generosity fuels the passion and dedication of our global network of National Geographic Explorers, who are working tirelessly to deepen our understanding of the planet, protect its wonders and support community empowerment. Together, we advance groundbreaking research, inspire new generations of storytellers and changemakers, and take bold strides toward a more sustainable future. Read our latest annual report to learn more about how donors like you are helping make an impact.
Photo Credits from top of page: Jordi Chias, Michael Nichols (2), Mauro Sergio. Below: Michael Nichols, Andy Mann, Paul Nicklen, Ami Vitale, Christian Tryon, Kenneth Garrett, Mark Thiessen.