Grants for Aspiring Photographers

Aspiring women photographers can get grants through local, private foundations.

Having a career as a photographer can be rewarding on a creative and monetary level. Many young and talented photographers, however, may not have the resources available to get started due to the expense of photographic equipment. The good news is that numerous grants are available from private organizations for aspiring photographers. Unfortunately, according to The Photo Forum, federal grants for a photography business are virtually nonexistent.

Getty Images Grants

An aspiring editorial photographer should consider approaching Getty Images for a grant. This well-known media site offers five grants annually worth $20,000 each to aspiring photojournalists. The only condition is that the photojournalist has to have a unique personal or journalistic vision. Applications are accepted by May 1 each year, and winners are announced every September. Since grants are renewed on an annual basis, it's unknown whether the grant will continue into 2012 and beyond.

National Press Photographer's Association Grants

For aspiring photojournalists working specifically in their local community, the National Press Photographers Association has grant funding available. Working in association with the Authors Coalition of America, the NPPA awards five grants annually worth $3,000 each. When you apply, you have to supply photos that tell a compelling story about your local community. Applications for 2011 grants close September 30. As of publication, it's not known if this grant is still available in 2012 and beyond.

The George and Helen Segal Foundation Grant

Women living in New Jersey who need money to start a photography career can turn to a well-known private organization providing grant funds. The George and Helen Segal Foundation, based in New Jersey, provide grants of $5,000 and $10,000 to aspiring female photographers who are over 21. When applying, you need a cover letter describing how the grant money will help you advance your career. In addition, include a CD-ROM that has six images of your current photography, plus details of awards you've won or exhibitions you've had. Grants for 2011 end October 15; winners are announced March 1, 2012. As of publication, it's not known if this grant will still be available in 2012 and beyond.

Australia Council for the Arts

Aspiring photographers living abroad in Australia have many opportunities for grants. The Centre for Contemporary Photography lists the national Australia Council for the Arts as one of the best places for acquiring grants in the visual arts. One of these available annually is the JUMP mentoring program for young and emerging artists from cultural backgrounds. It provides a $5,000 to a young person to promote any artistic project with a chosen mentor. The ArtStart program is another annual program in Australia. It provides up to $10,000 in grants to creative arts graduates to help promote photographic careers.

References

• The Photo Forum: Government Grants
• Getty Images: Grants for Editorial Photography
• The Digital Visual; NPPA Announces the Short Grants Program for Aspiring Photojournalists; Manuel A. Calle; July 13, 2011
• Grant Applications: Grants for Women Artists
• Centre for Contemporary Photography: Opportunities for Photographic Artists

Resources

• National Press Photographers Association: NPPA Short Grants
• George and Helen Segal Foundation: Photography Grant
• Australia Council for the Arts: JUMP National Mentoring Program
• Australia Council for the Arts: ArtStart Grants