Grants
The grants program is meant to support photographers, discover new projects, and make a positive impact for communities in need.
Water for Life
Photography Grant 2026
- Mentorship Program
- Exhibition Gallery
- Photo Book
- No application fee
Application deadline: January 15th, 2026
Project delivery deadline: May 15th, 2026
Grant Application Closed.
Photo Humanity Grant calls on documentary photographers around the world to illuminate one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time — the global lack of safe, clean, and accessible water.
Recognizing water as a fundamental human right (UN General Assembly, 2010) and advancing the goals of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, this initiative empowers visual storytellers to raise awareness, inspire action, and hold institutions accountable.
These stories will serve as both artistic expressions and humanitarian instruments—shaping public consciousness, strengthening advocacy efforts, and supporting real-world solutions for communities most affected by the water crisis.
Grantees will be included in world photo exhibitions and yearly photo book.
Water for Life
Grant Targeted Projects
Condition and Details
- There are 10 grants available, each grant amount is $6,000 USD
- The photography grant amount is designated to complete execution of the photography project and not for other purposes.
- Photographers are required to submit a portfolio of their previous works in PDF format, and any application without it will not be considered.
- The deadline for applications is January 15th, 2026.
- If submitting existing projects they cannot be started before 2023.
- Only non previously awarded project will be accepted.
- The photographer who wins the photography grant will receive mentorship and support from international photographers while carrying out his photography project.
- There are no application fees.
- The photographer retains full ownership rights to the images submitted for the grant program.
- The Photo Humanity Grant reserves the right to utilize the participating and winning images for promotional purposes, including publication on the grant's website and social media platforms.
Water for Life Photography Grant 2026
- The Photo Humanity Grant provides financial support for working on a photography project consisting of a collection of images that address a theme presented by the photographer from their artistic perspective.
- The photographer submits their photography project with no fewer than 10 and no more than 20 photographs. (They do not need to be the final photos but just an initial draft)
- Images can utilize various photography techniques, such as monochrome or color, showcasing creativity in capturing and editing the photos.
- Images that are not authentic or have been processed using artificial intelligence for addition or removal from the photo will not be accepted. RAW images will be requested during the later evaluation stage.
- The photographer provides the concept of the photographic project they are working on by answering the submission form, and any application without it will not be considered.
- Photography projects which has received other grant awards previously will not be accepted.
- After receiving the grant and commencing the photography project, the winners will be informed of the final format and requirements of the photography project submission.
Water for Life
Grant Resoruces
Children in the Central African Republic (CAR) face severe water problems, including lack of access to safe water, poor sanitation, and the risks associated with collecting water.
By Renzo Grande.
Timeline
- November 15th, 2025 - Open Call
- January 15th, 2026 - Application Extended Deadline
- February 15th - Finalists Selection
- May 15th - Project delivery deadline
Geographic Scope
The grant will prioritize regions where water scarcity intersects with vulnerability, conflict, or displacement.
Selection criteria:
- Severity of water crisis.
- Presence of active humanitarian interventions.
- Potential for partnerships with local organizations.
- Photographer access and safety considerations
Independent Jury and Mentors
How to Apply?
- 1. Complete the free registration form
- 2. You will receive the application form in the next screen and also via email.
- 3. Preview of application details: Project Theme, Project Details, Personal Importance of Project, Region Location, Portfolio (10 photos of previous work), Water Project Photos (initial draft of project. This is not mandatory)