National Geographic Society
A global nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to exploring, illuminating, and protecting the world.
WikipediaFounded in 1888 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. It operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by a board of trustees and led by CEO Jill Tiefenthaler.
The Society focuses on six key areas: oceans, land, wildlife, human histories and cultures, planetary health, and space. It supports these goals by funding over 15,000 Explorers across seven continents and reaching 3 million students annually through its education offerings.
Financially, the organization is supported by philanthropic commitments—securing $112.4 million in 2024—and a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company called National Geographic Partners. This partnership manages the society's media operations, including the magazine and TV channels, with a portion of net profits funding the Society's scientific and conservation work.