Awards and Grants

InquireFirst will award $3,000USD and editorial support to a journalist in Latin America for a project on the impact of infrastructure (hydroelectric dams, international highways, mining and energy, etc.) on the biodiversity of the Andes-Amazon region. Deadline is Jan 28, 2022.

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY is offering a full-tuition scholarship in partnership with the Native American Journalists Association for any NAJA member admitted to a Master’s program at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and who meets CUNY’s eligibility requirements for being a New York State Resident. Deadline: Mar 1, 2022.

This International Women's Media Foundation annual award goes to an outstanding woman or non-binary journalist of color in the U.S. with a track record of mentorship, leadership and a commitment to diversity in journalism. Apply yourself or submit a nomination. Deadline: Feb 23, 2025.

These awards honor U.S. investigative reporting on government conduct, public policy or the practice of politics; explanatory reporting on government functioning and implementation of public policy; and books on democratic governance. Cash prizes. Deadline: Jan 5, 2026 for the Investigative and Explanatory.

The Aspen Tech Policy Hub is accepting applications for unique and innovative projects that address the crisis of mis- and disinformation in America. Semi-finalists will be awarded $5,000, and a grand prize of $75,000 will be awarded to the winner. Apply by Jan 10, 2022.

Earth Journalism Network is offering reporting grants (up to approx $1455 USD) to support the production of in-depth or investigative stories that will highlight progress toward a post-pandemic green recovery. Open to journalists worldwide. Deadline: Jan 10, 2022.

At Mundus Journalism, you will study at leading universities in at least two European countries (first year in Denmark; second year in Amsterdam, London, Prague or Munich), work with top researchers in media studies, political science and journalism and gain an outstanding professional network for life. Deadline: Jan 10.

Worldwide entries are welcome until Jan 17, 2026, from all professional photographers working in the field of photojournalism and/or documentary photography. €1,000 for each of the winners and an additional €10,000 for the World Press Photo of the Year winner, and more.

In 2025, the Social Documentary Network will give two separate awards — the ZEKE Award for Systemic Change and the ZEKE Award for Documentary Photography, each with a $2,500 prize. Deadline: Jan 15, 2025.

The Sony World Photography Awards comprise four competitions: Professional, Open, Student and Youth. All are free to enter. Top prizes range from Sony digital imaging equipment to $25,000 USD. Deadlines: Student (Nov 28, 2025); Open and Youth (Jan 6, 2026) and Professional (Jan 13, 2026).