The Save Our Seas Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant, an opportunity designed to support emerging photographers who use visual storytelling to promote ocean conservation.
The grant aims to encourage photographers to document marine wildlife, ocean ecosystems, coastal communities, and other subjects connected to marine conservation. Also, through this initiative, the foundation seeks to support talented visual storytellers who can use photography to communicate important environmental issues and encourage greater awareness of ocean protection.
Save Our Seas Foundation Overview
The programme is particularly interested in photographers who can combine compelling images with meaningful conservation stories. Applicants do not need to specialise in underwater photography.
Their proposed stories may focus on marine wildlife, fisheries, ocean habitats and coastal communities whose livelihoods are connected to marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, successful applicants will receive a paid photography assignment to document a Save Our Seas Foundation-supported research or conservation project.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host organisation | Save Our Seas Foundation |
| Programme type | Photography Grant |
| Eligible applicants | Emerging photographers worldwide |
| Number of winners | Two |
| Cash award | $2,000 per winner |
| Assignment duration | Three weeks |
| Application deadline | November 15, 2026 |
Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant Benefits
- A $2,000 cash award for each selected winner.
- A paid three-week photography assignment.
- Travel support for the photography assignment.
- Professional mentorship from experienced conservation photographers and editors.
- Opportunities to document marine research and conservation activities.
- Opportunities to exhibit work at an international conference or exhibition.
- Publication of selected photography stories as Save Our Seas Foundation photo essays.
- Professional exposure within the conservation storytelling industry.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be emerging or early-career photographers.
- They must have no more than five years of professional experience in a photography-related discipline.
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in ocean conservation and environmental storytelling.
- They must be able to produce compelling visual stories.
- Applicants must provide the required photographic portfolio.
- Applicants who currently hold another Save Our Seas Foundation grant are not eligible.
- Applicants must follow the foundation’s application requirements.
Well, women, gender-diverse applicants, and photographers from underrepresented regions, including Africa, are particularly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for the Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant
Interested photographers should visit the Save Our Seas Foundation’s official photography grant webpage and review the funding guidelines. They must create an account on the foundation’s online grant portal before starting their application.
Applicants should prepare a portfolio containing 20 images and a proposed photo story consisting of 10 images. They must then complete the online application form, provide the requested information about their photography experience, and submit their materials through the official portal before the deadline.
Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant Deadline
Applications open on September 30, 2026, and close on November 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Central European Time. Also, the selected photographers will undertake their assignments in 2027, and for more information, you can visit their official page through the link below;
Official Website: Save Our Seas Photography Grant
FAQs
1. Can African photographers apply?
Yes, photographers from African countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
2. How many winners will be selected?
Two photographers will be selected.
3. How much is the cash award?
Each winner receives $2,000 alongside a paid photography assignment.
4. Must the photography be underwater?
No, stories can cover marine wildlife, fisheries, habitats, and coastal communities.
CHECK THESE OUT:
Africa International University Internal Research Grant 2026/2027
Jane Street Graduate Research Fellowship 2027 – Apply Now!
Notre Dame Africa Research Grant 2026-2027
Folger Artistic Research Fellowships 2027-2028