Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Fellowships

Fellowships and mentorships supporting long-term documentary photography projects exploring environmental and conservation challenges and the people and communities working toward solutions. In 2027, Vital Impacts will award one $20,000 fellowship to an established environmental photographer, six $5,000 fellowships to emerging photographers from around the world, and ten mentorships. The program supports significant bodies of work and meaningful collaboration with conservation communities and organizations.

Environmental and wildlife conservation challenges, communities, and solutions

Applicants should propose a thoughtful, realistic plan to develop a documentary photography project over 12 months. Strong applications demonstrate a meaningful, sustained relationship with the community, issue, or conservation initiative; understanding of the environmental issue and its broader significance; existing access and trust where appropriate; ethical and responsible storytelling; a distinctive visual approach and strong photographic ability; and potential to contribute to public understanding. Photographers documenting stories in their own communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Prior publication experience is not required. Listed application materials are application forms, artwork/portfolio, artist statement, CV, project description, letter of intent, and motivation letter. The $20,000 fellowship is for an established environmental photographer; six $5,000 fellowships are for emerging photographers from around the world; ten mentorships support photographers with strong potential who would benefit from professional guidance. Application fee: €25 per submission, which may be waived for economic hardship. No participation or additional fees. One of the seven fellowship recipients, selected later, will be invited to exhibit at the 2027 Festival of Ethical Photography in Lodi, Italy. The Festival will cover exhibition production and installation costs and that photographer's international travel and accommodation to attend and present their work in person.