As an organization dedicated to advancing photojournalism through education, the National Press Photographers Foundation is known for working to develop and elevate the work of news photography by annually supporting at least a dozen promising young photographers with scholarships to continue to develop their work.
But NPPF also works to raise the standards for visual journalism through three key grants to fund important visual work. This year’s awards are announced below, including a new premier fellowship.
THE BOB & MILLIE LYNN GRANT: $ 4,000
2023 Deadline: November 30, 2023, 11:59 pm ET
This annual grant supports in-depth documentary photojournalism of significance. It encourages visual journalists to pursue stories exposing parts of American society that tend to be ignored or under-covered, stories that would make a difference and impact society. Renowned editor Bob Lynn, the grant’s namesake is included in the judging panel.
THE ALAN HAGMAN GRANT: $ 6,000
2024 Deadline: November 7, 2024, 11:59 pm ET
This grant honoring the late Los Angeles Times editor Alan Hagman is offered annually for working U.S. photojournalists or students to facilitate a vital documentary project on topics that otherwise would not be reported – ranging from human rights to environmental issues.
THE MICHEL du CILLE FELLOWSHIP: $15,000
2023 Application Deadline: October 5, 2023, 11:59 pm ET
The du Cille is NPPF’s premier annual, year-long fellowship for a working U.S. photojournalist, honoring collaborative visual journalist and editor Michel du Cille who died covering the Ebola crisis in Liberia. Winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, du Cille set the journalistic, ethical and personal standards that gave his subject voice and dignity. In creating thoughtful, impactful stories, he knew that great work isn’t often done alone and valued teamwork with colleagues in elevating the standards, reach and presentation of visual journalism.
This major fellowship is designed to create truly significant work reflecting du Cille’s high standards and the highest standards of visual journalism – work that would otherwise likely not be done. NPPF’s judging panel will interview finalists. The winner should be able to speak about the importance of the project and gather research and resources to create the most powerful visually-oriented storytelling and how it might be published.
If you have an important story you want to bring to a wide audience and want to apply for one of these grants, begin on NPPF.org by creating an application account immediately. As you gather the required materials, the file can be added to and changed any time up until the award’s deadline.