Opportunities for Environmental Photographers: $50,000 in Grants and Mentorship
If you’re an aspiring photographer who loves using your skills to narrate stories about the ecosystem, the non-profit Vital Impacts presents an incredible opportunity. For the third consecutive year, this organization is providing environmental photography grants and mentorships to visual storytellers who highlight regional environmental challenges. With $50,000 in funding available and a comprehensive mentorship program designed to promote development, Vital Impacts is influencing the future of conservation photography.
In total, there are seven grants available, each named after conservation icons such as Dr. Jane Goodall and Chico Mendes. One photographer will be awarded $20,000, while six others will each receive $5,000. Grant recipients will have a year to realize their projects, backed by guidance from mentors at Vital Impacts, offering a distinctive approach to receiving industry support.
Moreover, 10 photographers will join the mentorship program, which includes “one-on-one sessions with specialists, celebrated photographers, and notable photo editors.” Co-founders Ami Vitale and Eileen Mignoni are both prominent figures in this field, and their enthusiasm for environmental photography is evident in this initiative, which enables emerging talent to establish vital connections for success.
This dedication to knowledge sharing is exemplified by the complimentary online mentorship series available to all applicants. It features dialogues with top photographers, editors, and scientists, giving everyone an opportunity to enhance their skills.
The 2025-2026 Environmental Photography Grants and Mentorships are accepting applications until September 15, 2025, with winners to be revealed in October 2025. Applications can be submitted in English or any native language, and prior publication experience is not a requirement. Vital Impacts is especially eager to collaborate with creatives on long-term projects in their communities and photographers who have existing connections with stakeholders.
To apply, photographers need to provide a portfolio of images related to an environmental conservation narrative, along with a statement detailing their proposed project. A $25 application fee applies, which may be waived due to economic hardship and is consistently waived for photographers from developing nations.
Non-profit Vital Impacts is currently accepting applications for its 2025-2026 Environmental Photography Grants and Mentorships.
$50,000 in grants and an intensive mentorship program are available for emerging environmental photographers.
Applications are open until September 15, 2025, and photographers involved in long-term environmental projects are encouraged to apply.
Vital Impacts: [Website](https://vitalimpacts.org/) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vitalimpacts) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vital.impacts/)
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