#United States #Washington #fundraising #National Geographic #Blue Boundaries

National Geographic Society's Landmark Achievement

In January 2026, the National Geographic Society made headlines by announcing that it had raised a record-breaking total of $208.1 million in fundraising commitments for the year 2025. This remarkable sum signifies a significant milestone—in fact, it's the first time in the organization's 138 years of existence that it has surpassed the $200 million mark in a single year. The achievement reflects not just a financial success, but also the growing trust and commitment from the Society's donors, partners, and supporters.

This extraordinary feat was marked by several key highlights:

• - The $208.1 million in new commitments is the largest amount ever raised in the Society's history.
• - This marks the fourth consecutive year that the National Geographic Society has generated more than $100 million in fundraising, indicating a steady upward trend in donor contributions.
• - The Society was boosted by an unprecedented partnership that involved the Chubb Charitable Foundation, which committed to a multi-million-dollar initiative titled Blue Boundaries. This partnership aims to support National Geographic Explorers engaged in vital research aimed at conserving ecosystems where land meets water.

Jill Tiefenthaler, the CEO of the National Geographic Society, shared her thoughts on this historic achievement. She pointed out that the support from donors not only fuels the Society's mission but also enhances its capacity to engage and inspire individuals around the world to realize their environmental responsibility. She stated, "This historic fundraising success is a testament to the way our mission not only inspires people, but also unites and engages them to drive transformative impact.”

Donor contributions play a crucial role in the Society's operational model, as they enable the organization to invest 100% of donations into its mission-related programs. These programs focus on illuminating the beauty and fragility of our world, empowering millions of people to become stewards of the environment through scientific research, exploration, and storytelling.

The 2025 fundraising efforts also showcased the Society's growing community of supporters:

• - 136 new commitments for contributions of $100,000 or more were made, representing a 30% increase from the previous year.
• - They recorded a 5% increase in Annual Giving Memberships, bringing in $15.1 million as part of this year's contributions.
• - Notably, there was a 20% increase in membership among both the Hubbard Council (annual donors of $50,000 or more) and the Clark Council (annual donors of $25,000 to $49,999).

Kevin J. Maroni, the chair of the board of trustees, expressed sincere gratitude for the unprecedented generosity shown by the supporters of the National Geographic Society. He emphasized the collective nature of the fundraising success, pointing out that the groundbreaking work accomplished by the Society's Explorers relies heavily on the collaborative investment of the community.

The Society’s transformative goals have grown as a result of their successful fundraising efforts; for instance, they have cumulatively raised $179.1 million towards establishing the upcoming Museum of Exploration, set to open summer 2026. This hub will serve as a platform for showcasing the impactful stories and research from National Geographic Explorers, aiming to educate and engage a wider audience.

Kara Ramirez Mullins, the Chief Advancement Officer, noted that achieving this historic milestone illustrates the positive momentum within the Society’s donor community. She emphasized how vital this record-breaking support is to accelerate the mission and reach unprecedented levels of outreach and impact.

In conclusion, the National Geographic Society stands at the forefront of a new era marked by philanthropy that significantly contributes to ecological awareness and global change. As it moves forward, it is committed to continually harnessing the power of its growing donor network to invest in the future of exploration and conservation, ensuring that the wonders of our world are preserved for generations to come.