Want $100K for Your Next Doc? Enter the World Exploration Challenge & Trek Around the Globe

If you qualify to be an Explorers Club flag bearer and have a documentary project that features an expedition that would be significant to the exploration community, then $100,000 could be yours for the taking.

This newly-announced grant isn't specifically for documentary filmmakers, but for a full-fledged expedition to further the field science of exploration of which the end-product could be "a documentary film with plans for distribution." Sounds like fun to me! There are a few caveats to getting the grant.

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Explorers Club Fellow Frederik Paulsen and the 2007 Tara Arctic Drift ExpeditionCredit: The Explorers Club

First, you have to be a member of the Explorers Club, and be approved to carry the Club flag on their behalf. Second, you must have a detailed plan on how your expedition will advance human knowledge. And lastly, to get a shot at the World Exploration Challenge, you'll have to impress the selection committee headed by the likes of Les Guthman, known for films like Skiing Everest and creating television series for Outside Television and Discover Magazine. Wondering if you would fit the bill? Here is the mission video for the Explorers Club:

If that sounds like something that fits into the framework of a documentary project you'd like to get off the ground, then dive into the application details of the The Foundation Mamont - Explorers Club World Exploration Challenge before the October 1st deadline. Here is The Foundation Mamont - Explorers Club World Exploration Challenge at a glance:

• Eligibility:  Must be Explorers Club Members/Fellows. Dues range from $35 to $595; if you get the grant, The Explorers Club will pay your dues. (Email grants@explorers.org for more details on the type of membership you need.)
• Grant Amount: Up to $100,000.
• Application: Fill out the PDF here. Applications can be enhanced by including video, film, photographs, articles, illustrations and artwork of previous expeditions.
• Deadline: October 1, 2014

If you have a documentary that falls into this category, best of luck!

Source: The Explorers Club