$30,000 Up For Grabs in W. Eugene Smith Fund

The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography, one of photography’s most prestigious awards, is now open for entries.

Each year, one photographer is given $30,000 to complete a current or future documentary project that follows in the tradition of compassionate storytelling exhibited by legendary photo-essayist W. Eugene Smith. In addition, one or more Fellowships totaling $5,000 are awarded to photographers whose work is deemed outstanding.

Past winners of the Smith Grant include Matt Black for his The Geography of Poverty series that looks at poverty in America; Joseph Sywenkyj for his look at the effect of political unrest on families in Ukraine; and Robin Hammond for his work on mental health in Africa.

Finalists for the Humanist Photography Grant are judged on their work’s substantive, photographic, and intellectual merits. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2016.

The Smith Fund is also accepting applications for the annual Howard Chapnick Grant, from June 1 through July 15. The $5,000 grant, presented to an individual exhibiting leadership in picture editing, research, education or management, is not for creation or production of photographs but to finance further education, special research, a long-term sabbatical project, or an internship to work with a noteworthy group or individual.