Photography Contest

Women Photograph + Leica Project Grants 2026

Women Photograph + Leica Project Grants 2026

Deadline |

07/01/26

Theme |

Documentary

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Women & non-binary photographers

Entry Fees |

FREE

Prizes |

Cash Prize
Thanks to generous support from Leica USA, these three $10,000 grants will support photography projects — either new or in-progress — from visual journalists working in a documentary capacity.

Funding may be used to cover the hard costs of reporting, photographers’ creative fees, and any other expenses that support the production of new work. This grant is not meant to support the production of books, exhibitions, workshops, or other secondary materials.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a story, rather than singles, as part of the grant application. The images need not be related to the project proposal (but please specify in your application if the images are unrelated to your proposal).

These grants are open to women, nonbinary, transgender, and intersex documentary photographers of any nationality. Central to Women Photograph’s mission is to be inclusive of and support work from photographers who represent a diverse range of identities, geographies, and experiences. You do not need to be a member of Women Photograph to apply.

There is no fee to apply.

Only one submission per open call is permitted.

Applications must be submitted in English, but we welcome applications translated using services like Google Translate.

There are no restrictions on camera equipment used for grant work.

You are welcome to submit links to video/multimedia components in the body of your project description, but your application must be rooted in still photography.

Please check the time zone carefully for the deadline on June 30 — we will be unable to reopen applications or make any exceptions for late work.

Any use of generative AI must be disclosed clearly.

Grantees will retain full ownership of all work completed.

Women Photograph and Leica USA will ask for the use of promotional images to be used explicitly in conjunction with promoting the photographer, the work, and the grants. Image: Taiwo Aina

Featured Photo Contest

AAP Magazine #59 / SHAPES

$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #59 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition

Best Photography Contests in 2026

Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2026 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!

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ENDS 06/28/26
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If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 06/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 06/30/26
Selected photobooks will be featured in Der Greif’s Articles section, including a dedicated editorial feature highlighting the project, its context, and the maker(s).
ENDS 07/01/26
Critical Mass sparks career-changing opportunities. Ready to get your work noticed? This is the place to do it.
ENDS 07/02/26
The Emerging Photographer Grant aims to provide a $10,000 grant to visual storytellers at the beginning of their careers in order to develop impactful visual narratives.
ENDS 07/07/26
Our 59th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shapes".
ENDS 07/08/26
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 07/15/26
Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to send us your most beautiful Colors or Black & White street photos.
ENDS 07/31/26
A competition for world class commercial photographers, judged by a prestigious panel of experts from renowned advertising agencies, magazines & brands.
ENDS 08/31/26
To help photographers improve their chances, we have launched a portfolio and contest submission review service.
ENDS 09/01/26
Financial support, publication in The Guardian, loan of Canon camera equipment, a year-long mentorship, an assignment, potential conflict training, work seen by a panel of industry experts
ENDS 09/05/26
The Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards celebrate the photobook's contribution to the evolving narrative of photography
ENDS 09/11/26
$12,000 in total grants awarded to three artists
ENDS 09/13/26
Eurazeo is launching the Eurazeo Photo Prize grant, with funding of €20,000
ENDS 09/24/26
A total of $8,000 in grants will be awarded to three outstanding artists
ENDS 10/11/26
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 11/26/26
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/05/27
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/05/27
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/12/27
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!