Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Fellowships 2027: Up to $20,000 for Environmental Photographers Worldwide

The Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Fellowships and Mentorships 2027 invite photographers and visual storytellers from around the world to develop long-term documentary photography projects focused on environmental and conservation challenges. The programme is designed to support photographers who use visual storytelling to explore environmental issues while highlighting the people, communities, and organizations working to protect the planet, wildlife, and natural habitats.

In 2027, Vital Impacts plans to award one $20,000 fellowship to an established environmental photographer, six $5,000 fellowships to emerging photographers from around the world, and ten mentorships for photographers whose work demonstrates strong potential and would benefit from additional professional guidance.

Each fellowship supports one photographer and one documentary project over a 12-month period. Recipients receive financial support, time, and guidance from the Vital Impacts mentorship community. Additionally, one recipient will be selected to exhibit their work at the 2027 Festival of Ethical Photography in Lodi, Italy, with all production, installation, travel, and accommodation costs covered by the Festival.

The programme places a strong emphasis on long-term documentary storytelling, ethical approaches, and meaningful relationships with communities. Photographers documenting stories within their own communities are strongly encouraged to apply, though permanently residing in the proposed location is not strictly required if sustained engagement and trust can be demonstrated. Prior publication experience is not required.