The CatchLight Global Fellowship 2026 is now open to visual storytellers who use the power of images to inspire action, shape conversations, and spark social change. This prestigious fellowship supports photographers, filmmakers, educators, and creative leaders who are building innovative visual projects that engage communities and influence positive change worldwide.
Designed to uplift bold and socially driven storytellers, the fellowship provides financial support, global exposure, and personalized professional development throughout the award year. Fellows also join a lifelong community dedicated to advancing impactful visual storytelling.
About the CatchLight Global Fellowship
CatchLight’s mission is to elevate visual storytelling as a tool for transformation. The fellowship highlights creators who blend strong visual narratives with community outreach, groundbreaking distribution models, or educational leadership.
Throughout the fellowship year, selected storytellers share their insights and progress through:
- A public presentation showcasing project outcomes
- Interviews with CatchLight or partner organizations
- Visual documentation and impact data
Even after their fellowship year ends, recipients remain lifelong members of the CatchLight community, contributing their expertise to future cohorts and the broader storytelling field.
Also Apply For: Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge 2026 (Earn $2,500 Grant)
Benefits of the 2026 Fellowship
Fellows selected for the program will receive:
- $30,000 award to support their project
- Personalized professional development, including executive coaching
- Guidance on strategy, impact, and audience engagement
- Access to a global network of creatives, mentors, industry leaders, and past Fellows
- Opportunities for mentorship, education, and speaking engagements
Who Should Apply?
You may be an ideal candidate if you are a:
- Long-form visual storyteller with a clear impact-driven project
- Leader advancing new ideas in visual storytelling or community engagement
- Educator working to develop fresh approaches for emerging storytellers
Project proposals will be evaluated based on how effectively they address one or more of the following goals:
1. Innovative Distribution
Testing new ways to share visual work and reach targeted audiences.
2. Community Activation
Using visuals to respond to community needs, spark dialogue, or support local information ecosystems.
3. Field Sustainability
Building systems or tools that help move the visual storytelling field forward.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- A 100-word statement describing how your visual work drives social change
- A 100-word thesis explaining your proposed project
- A 250-word detailed project description
- A 250-word distribution, engagement, or impact strategy
- A 100-word plan for collecting impact feedback
- A timeline (can extend beyond the grant period)
- A project budget (can exceed $30,000 but must indicate how CatchLight funds will be used)
- Three ideas for sharing your learning with the CatchLight community
- 5–10 promotional images
- Three professional references (email + phone number)
- A short bio
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
All applications must be submitted in English. Translated applications are accepted, but interviews will be conducted in English.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: December 16, 2025
- Selected Fellows will embark on their fellowship activities throughout 2026
- Extended project timelines are allowed, depending on scope
The CatchLight Global Fellowship remains one of the most influential international opportunities for visual creators who want to make meaningful, lasting change through storytelling.
For more informatioin, visit the CatchLight Global Fellowship.
