Application opens March 8, 2026
Leica Society International (LSI) is proud to announce its fourth annual Women in Photography Grant. The grant is open to all women photographers in any part of the world (where allowed by law) and is made possible through LSI and Leica North America.
One grant in the amount of $10,000 USD ($5,000 of which is generously donated by Leica NA) will be awarded to help complete an in-progress, personal project. In addition, the grant recipient will receive a new Leica camera and lens, courtesy of Leica North America.
2026 LSI WOMEN IN PHOTOGRAPHY GRANT THEME: “Where We Stand”
LSI invites women photographers to submit projects rooted in lived experience or sustained, accountable relationships.We are seeking work shaped by proximity, projects made from within communities, or developed through long-term, trust-based engagement. The work should reflect an understanding of the photographer’s position in relation to the people and stories represented.We prioritize projects that demonstrate:·
Lived presence: Work informed by personal experience, identity, or meaningful, ongoing connection.
Intentional authorship: Clear awareness of why this story is being told and why the photographer is the one telling it.
Relational access: Access built through trust and mutual recognition.
Reciprocity: Evidence that the relationship extends beyond image capture, with care for impact and benefit.
Responsibility: Ethical consideration of representation, power, and long-term accountability.
The number of applications will be limited to 100 on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications have a fee of $35 USD and must adhere to the application requirements. If an application does not follow the requirements as outlined, it will be rejected. This is a global program where allowed by law.
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APPLICATION CRITERIA/APPLICATION RULES
The LSI Women in Photography Grant is open to women photographers at least 18 years old on or before March 8, 2026.
Use of a Leica camera is not required.
Membership in LSI is not required.
Images must be the work and property of the photographer.
Any required releases are the responsibility of the photographer.
The photographic project must be in progress and must be completed within one year of being awarded. By entering, you agree to release and hold harmless the LSI and its officers, directors, and agents from and against any claim or cause of action arising from participation in the grant. Officers and Directors of LSI and past recipients of an LSI grant are not eligible to enter.
DEADLINE
Applications must be received no later than April 24, 2026, 11:59 PM North American CST, or when the limit of 100 is reached, whichever comes first.The winning project will be announced on May 29, 2026.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Payment of Application Fee: $35.00 USD
Artist bio/Statement in the order below (must be submitted in a word document):
Applicant’s Identification: Name · address · phone · email · gender, nationality & biography
Project Title / Project Description: A written proposal that describes the purpose and nature of the project and how you will accomplish the project.
Grant Funds Budget: A detailed budget of expenses you expect to incur during the completion of the project. Links: Any applicable website/social media links
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
Applications must include a portfolio of ten (10) images that illustrate the nature of your project.
Frame Identification: Each image file name must include Photographer’s name, title, and sequence number. (i.e.: smith[title]01”
SELECTION PROCESS
Preliminary Stage: Each judge will individually select their top 10 applicants. A point system will determine which top 10 applicants will proceed to the finalist phase
Finalist Stage: The judges will rank the 10 finalists to determine the recipient. All decisions from the selection panel or the judges will be final.LSI reserves the right to amend grant rules and submission guidelines. LSI reserves the right not to award a grant if, in the sole judgment of the jury, there is no submission warranting a grant.