National Geographic is a global nonprofit organization that has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888. Through its media platforms, grants, and educational programs, National Geographic supports a network of explorers, scientists, storytellers, and educators who are working to protect and illuminate the wonder of our world.
But National Geographic would not be able to achieve its mission without the generous support of its donors and partners. Among them is a special group of individuals who share a passion for exploration and discovery: the Hubbard Council.
What is the Hubbard Council?
The Hubbard Council is a group of really generous people who give a lot of money to the National Geographic Society to help them do important work. The Society is a group of people who want to learn more about our world and protect it for the future. When people give money to the Society, they get special benefits like tours, events, and memberships. The Hubbard Council is for people who give a lot of money, and they get even more special benefits than regular members.
The Hubbard Council helps the National Geographic Society do really cool things like explore the world, learn new things about the planet, and protect it from harm. They work with scientists, teachers, and other people to make sure our planet stays healthy and safe for everyone who lives on it, including animals. The Hubbard Council is a way for people who care about the Earth to help make a difference and support important work that helps us learn more about our amazing planet.
The Hubbard Council is named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the first president of the National Geographic Society and a visionary leader who helped shape its direction and purpose. The Hubbard Council consists of donors who contribute over $50,000 annually to support National Geographic’s work across science, exploration, education, and storytelling.
Members of the Hubbard Council enjoy exclusive benefits and opportunities to engage with National Geographic’s community of experts and leaders. They receive invitations to attend marquee events such as the Explorers Festival and Storytellers Summit in Washington, D.C., where they can meet and learn from some of the most prominent explorers, scientists, journalists, educators, and innovators in their fields.
They also have access to VIP experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours of National Geographic’s headquarters and museum exhibits; private receptions with National Geographic executives; special webinars with grantees; customized travel opportunities; recognition in publications; and more.
Perhaps most importantly, members of the Hubbard Council have a direct impact on advancing National Geographic’s mission by providing vital funding for its programs and initiatives. Their generosity enables National Geographic to award grants to hundreds of projects around the world each year; create inspiring content that reaches millions of people across platforms; develop innovative educational resources that empower learners of all ages; and advocate for conservation issues that matter.
The National Geographic Society has long been at the forefront of inspiring curiosity about our world and promoting conservation efforts. The Society is a global nonprofit that invests in bold people and transformative ideas, seeking to illuminate and protect our planet for generations to come. The organization believes that meaningful, lasting change is possible when we work together, and as such, it brings together a diverse range of individuals to tackle the big questions and challenge accepted beliefs about our world.
The elephant elders lead the way,
Guiding their herd, day by day.
Through dense forests and wide savannas,
They teach the young to survive and prosper.
Similarly, the Hubbard Council paves the path,
Helping society navigate the aftermath
Of environmental destruction and climate change,
Leading the charge for a better world, so we can exchange
Our wasteful ways for sustainable solutions,
Creating a future for all without confusion.
Just like the elephants, the Hubbard Council leads,
Showing us the way to preserve and succeed.
Who are some notable members of the Hubbard Council?
The Hubbard Council is composed of diverse individuals from different backgrounds, professions, interests, and regions. They share a common vision: to make a difference in our world through exploration, discovery, and storytelling.
Some examples of notable members include:
– Eugenie Clark: The namesake of one of the subgroups within the Hubbard Council (the Eugenie Clark Council), Clark was a renowned marine biologist known as “the Shark Lady” for her groundbreaking research on shark behavior. She was also an avid explorer who led more than 70 expeditions around the world. She received several awards from National Geographic during her lifetime.
– Katherine Johnson: A recipient of the prestigious Hubbard Medal in 2019, Johnson was a pioneering mathematician who worked at NASA for more than three decades. She calculated crucial trajectories for some of the first human spaceflights, including John Glenn’s orbital mission and Apollo 11’s lunar landing. She was also one of the subjects of the book and film Hidden Figures.
– Ted Turner: A media mogul, philanthropist, and environmentalist, Turner is one of the founding members of the Hubbard Council. He has supported various causes related to wildlife conservation, climate change, nuclear disarmament, and human rights through his foundations and organizations. He also owns several ranches that practice sustainable land management.
– Jean Case: A technology entrepreneur, investor, and author, Case is one of the co-chairs of the Board of Trustees of National Geographic Society. She is also the CEO of Case Impact Network and Case Foundation which aim to catalyze social change through innovation and collaboration. She has been recognized as one of the most influential women in technology by Forbes Magazine.
How can you join or support the Hubbard Council?
If you are interested in joining or supporting this remarkable community of visionaries helping shape our world for good, you can visit the following web page:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/leadership-giving-and-major-gifts/
