The Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award applications are open for 2025. This award supports humanitarian, scientific, or educational projects that embody the Transglobe Expedition’s spirit of challenge, perseverance, and inspiration. The award aims to help recipients achieve meaningful ambitions and motivate others to do the same.

Inspired by the legendary Transglobe Expedition—led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the first-ever longitudinal circumnavigation of the Earth using only surface transport—the award continues its legacy of extraordinary exploration and endurance. Covering over 52,000 miles from 1979 to 1982, this journey remains one of history’s most remarkable feats of adventure.

Grants typically range between £2,000 and £5,000, with smaller requests welcomed and larger amounts considered in exceptional cases.

Applications must include two reference letters, a complete risk assessment, an emergency response plan, and an ethics assessment. In urgent situations, responding to immediate opportunities, applications may be accepted outside the annual cycle.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline (For projects starting after 1 April 2026): 30 November 2025
• Funding Type: Grant
• Organizer: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Emerging travelers and expeditioners working on humanitarian, scientific, or educational projects
• Focus Areas: Humanitarian aid, science, education, exploration
• Program Language: English

Award Benefits

The award details are as follows:

• Grants typically range from £2,000 to £5,000.
• Opportunity to join the legacy of the Transglobe Expedition.

Eligibility Criteria

The application requirements for the RGS Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award are as follows:

• The application is open to individuals or groups planning a humanitarian, scientific, or educational project.
• Projects must embody challenge, perseverance, and inspirational values.
• It should inspire others and reflect the dedication of the Transglobe Expedition.
• Project start date must be after 1 April 2026 (unless in exceptional cases of urgent need).
• Applicants must submit a risk assessment, emergency response plan, and ethics assessment.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed RGS-IBG application form.
• Two reference letters (sent directly to grants@rgs.org).
• Complete risk assessment for the project.
• Emergency response plan.
• Ethics assessment.

How to Apply?

• Review the RGS guidance for Society grants.
• Prepare your application with all required documents.
• Arrange for two referees to send their letters directly to the same email.
• Submit the completed application form and attachments by 30 November 2025.

Submission Email: grants@rgs.org

Further details and information are available on the official website of the RGS.

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