$30,000 fellowship for visual storytellers driving social change

CatchLight has opened applications for its Global Fellowship Programme, created for visual storytellers who use imagery to drive social impact. The fellowship supports creators developing innovative ways to reach audiences, activate communities and strengthen the visual storytelling ecosystem.

Priority areas

The fellowship is built around three core pillars:

1. Innovative Distribution: Supporting new methods of sharing visual stories with targeted audiences.

2. Community Activations: Using imagery to engage communities, address their information needs and spark dialogue or action.

3. Field Sustainability: Backing efforts that build long-term systems, models or practices that advance visual storytelling as a profession.

Applicants must propose projects with clear impact goals tied to one or more of these pillars.

Benefits

Selected fellows receive:

• A $30,000 award.

• Personalised development support.

• Access to CatchLight’s network for impact strategy guidance.

• Priority consideration for future funding opportunities.

• Fully covered travel and accommodation to attend the CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit in San Francisco.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to:

• Long-form visual storytellers

• Educators

• Field leaders

• Visual practitioners focused on public-impact storytelling

Ideal applicants are individuals exploring innovative pathways for story distribution, community engagement or field sustainability. All applications must be submitted in English.

Requirements

Applicants must apply through Submittable at no cost. Required materials include:

• Fellowship statement and thesis statement

• Detailed project description

• Distribution and community engagement strategy

• Impact feedback plan

• Project timeline and budget

• Topic ideas for community knowledge-sharing

• Image samples

• Professional references

• A short bio and CV

Programme expectations

Fellows are expected to:

• Share project assets that demonstrate impact

• Provide materials that help promote their work

• Submit quarterly progress updates

• Present project findings to strengthen the field’s shared knowledge

Deadline

Applications end on December 15, 2025. Visit the CatchLight website for guidelines on how to apply.
Explore more global calls on our Opportunities page.