INFORMATION: National Geographic

National Geographic was first published on September 22, 1888 and was intended to be a scholarly journal that was sent to only 165 charter members. Now, National Geographic reaches over 40 million people a month. Enchanting audiences from all over the world, National Geographic has helped to educate, provide grants for work, and tap into innovation and technology by sharing with the public to help inspire change. 

“The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.” – National Geographic mission statement

National Geographic earns revenue through multiple streams. The revenue generator that started it all was through subscriptions to the magazine (now you can subscribe for a virtual magazine option). They have events you can attend or become a member of the Society to benefit from all the events and subscription services. They take donations online. They book trips through their Expeditions site. They have merchandise you can purchase. And I don’t believe this generates income, but it provides a good feeling for the public in that they provide working grants on all seven continents so they can consistently provide the public with news on their explorations, conservation and discoveries.