The Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Grants

Vital Impacts is dedicated to supporting visual storytellers who capture compelling, solutions-focused environmental stories at the local level.
We are excited to offer one (1) $20,000 grant and six (6) $5,000 grants to help bring these vital stories to life.

Grant recipients will have twelve months to develop their projects, with support from Vital Impacts to publish and showcase their work.

Additionally, ten (10) emerging photographers will be chosen to participate in an intensive mentorship program, designed to nurture their growth and enhance their craft.

All applicants are also welcome to join our comprehensive online mentorship series, which provides valuable insights and guidance to all who are interested.

The Grants

Vital Impacts is thrilled to introduce our grants, named in honor of legendary environmental advocates whose groundbreaking work has inspired global change.

The Dr. Jane Goodall Environmental Photography Grant ($20,000)

We are deeply honored to announce that one of our Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Grants will carry the name of Dr. Jane Goodall.

Dr. Goodall’s extraordinary journey has not only transformed our understanding of primates but has also profoundly deepened our bond with the natural world.
Her groundbreaking research opened our eyes to the rich emotional lives of chimpanzees, while her relentless advocacy through the Jane Goodall Institute has galvanized a global movement to protect endangered species and their precious habitats.

The Vital Impacts Jane Goodall Grant, honoring the iconic ethologist and conservationist, will support a photographer dedicated to telling powerful, solutions-focused environmental stories.
It is with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate Dr. Goodall’s lasting legacy and unwavering dedication to both humanity and the planet.
Her spirit of hope and resilience continues to inspire us all to make a difference.

The Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

The Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim Environmental Photography Grant honors Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an Indigenous environmental activist and member of Chad’s pastoralist Mbororo people.
This grant recognizes her lifelong dedication to advocating for Indigenous rights and protecting the environment.

Since founding the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT) at the age of 12, Ibrahim has tirelessly worked to elevate Indigenous voices and safeguard their lands from degradation.
She has held leadership roles in global climate negotiations, including serving as co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change at COP21, and continues to positively influence international policy.

We hope this grant inspires and supports storytelling works that promote Indigenous experiences and knowledge in the fight to save our planet.

The Ian Lemaiyan Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

We are honored to name The Ian Lemaiyan Environmental Photography Grant in memory of Ian Lemaiyan, whose vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
Ian’s journey began with a passion for studying rhino behavior and blossomed into a distinguished career as a conservation pilot.
His vital work, which included critical aerial surveys and anti-poaching patrols across Kenya, demonstrated his deep commitment to wildlife protection and his love for flying.

Ian also had a deep love for photography and film, and his work was featured in Wildlife Warriors and The Flying Maasai.

We also wish to acknowledge the continuing inspiration of Ian’s family, especially his son, Louis.
Our aim with this grant is to support young dreamers who, like Ian, aspire to make a meaningful difference in the world and honor the remarkable legacy that continues to inspire us all.

The Chico Mendes Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

The Chico Mendes Environmental Photography Grant commemorates the remarkable life of Chico Mendes, a laborer turned environmentalist who championed the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and the rights of local and Indigenous communities.

As a Brazilian rubber tapper and land rights leader, Mendes created the world’s first tropical forest conservation initiative led by the forest peoples themselves.
His work led to the establishment of Brazil's extractive reserves—protected forest areas managed by local communities.
Chico Mendes dedicated his life to safeguarding the Amazon, inspiring the next wave of environmental activism and leaving a lasting legacy of environmental and social justice.

We hope that this grant will inspire unrelenting bravery and fierce determination to protect and preserve the natural world.

The Madonna Thunder Hawk Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

The Madonna Thunder Hawk Environmental Photography Grant will honor Madonna Thunder Hawk, an activist and a guiding force for generations of Native American leaders.

Ms. Thunder Hawk's tireless advocacy for justice and environmental protection has left an indelible mark on the world.
From her pivotal role in the Red Power Movement and the occupation of Alcatraz, to her leadership in the American Indian Movement and the Black Hills Alliance, her dedication to protecting both people and the environment is unparalleled.

She was the tribal liaison for the Lakota People's Law Project, and today, serves as an advisor to the Warrior Women Project and the Director of Grassroots Organizing for the Red Road Institute, where she remains a fierce advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice.

This grant will reflect her legacy by supporting a photographer whose work highlights impactful, solutions-based environmental stories.
We are honored to celebrate her enduring influence and commitment through this recognition.

The E.O. Wilson Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

The E.O. Wilson Environmental Photography Grant celebrates the memory and legacy of Dr. E.O. Wilson, a renowned biologist whose work has shaped modern conservation science.
His innovative concept of "Half-Earth" advocates for dedicating half of the Earth's surface to nature, aiming to halt the global extinction crisis.

Through his influential writings and the establishment of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation's Half-Earth Project, Wilson's legacy continues to inspire efforts to protect and restore the world's ecosystems for future generations.
Through this grant, we hope to counter the onward march of the Anthropocene and help foster a reconciliation between humanity and the natural world.

The Requirements

Vital Impacts is seeking out local photographers deeply embedded within their communities, possessing both the knowledge and passion to report on environmental issues, particularly those relevant to their own surroundings.
We're on the lookout for individuals who can convey the complexities of environmental or conservation challenges, along with potential solutions.

It is imperative that grant recipients focus on documenting a story within their own community.
Our goal is to bolster local journalism, so we're specifically targeting photographers rooted in the communities they aim to spotlight.
We won't be considering applications from photographers outside of the respective community or country.

Applicants are encouraged to apply in their native language or in English.
For proposals submitted in foreign languages, we'll arrange for translation services to ensure fair evaluation and consideration.

All applicants must follow the Vital Impacts Code of Ethics and be able to agree to and sign our Environmental Grant Agreement.

Grantees cannot be the target of sanctions or located or resident in a country, territory or region that is the target of comprehensive territorial sanctions.

Prior publication experience is not a requirement.
Vital Impacts is particularly interested in uplifting photographers who have been working on long-term projects and who have existing relationships with the stakeholders in this issue.

Photos by Musuk Nolte, CBS/Landov, Rip Evans, @AmiVitale, Courtesy of Stephanie Hauser, Miranda Smith, Courtesy of Madonna Thunder Hawk and Jay Vavra, with permission from the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation.