W. Eugene Smith Student Grant 2026

A $5,000 grant supporting student photographers producing exemplary photojournalism or documentary photo essays on issues of human significance.

Open to students aged 18 or older, this grant seeks compelling photojournalism and documentary photography (possibly incorporating multimedia) addressing topics such as social change, humanitarian concern, armed conflict, or other issues of cultural, environmental, or political significance. Two student recipients will share the $5,000 grant to complete a photographic essay, with $4,500 paid upon award and $500 paid after submission of final images and a project report within 18 months.