Project Grants

A new initiative designed to support artists, writers, educators, social workers, therapists, and creatives in thinking anew about the relationship between photography and family, in the most expansive and inventive ways possible.

We are offering six $10,000 grants.

Application open: April 15, 2024

Application deadline: May 15, 2024

About the Grants

At Working Assumptions, we believe that photography, and/or the exploration of it, can play a pivotal role in illuminating the complexities of family life today and fostering compassion for the experiences of others. As part of our mission, we support projects that spur reflection and dialogue around family, care systems, and kinship.

We are offering grants to support projects that inspire audiences and/or participants to look at family in meaningfully new ways through photography. 

  • 6 grants annually

  • $10,000 per grant

  • 8-month grant period; September 15 to May 15

  • Unrestricted funding for complete creative freedom

What We Fund

Projects may range from photography series and book projects to public art projects, mental health programs, long-form journalism, curriculum, performances, digital projects, scholarly publications, and more. We encourage proposals that address underrepresented family arrangements, care work, memory, identity formation, and other related topics. We are open to funding any phase of a given project, from inception to completion. Projects must be intended for public consumption.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is for individual artists and/or collaborations, researchers, academics, journalists, educators, therapists, social workers, and creatives across disciplines with a focus on photography and family. 

  • Experience: Applicants should have a prior track record of exploring themes around family

  • Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or reside in the U.S., have a U.S. tax ID number, and have a U.S. bank account

  • Age: Must be at least 18 years old

  • Eligibility: Applicants cannot have been employees, grant recipients, or vendors within the last two years

Program Experience and Support

  • Collaborative goal setting 

  • Quarterly check-ins

  • Tailored support based on project needs

  • Support for promotion of projects 

How to Apply

Check back April 15 to access the application.

Application period: April 15 - May 15

Required information:

  • Personal details

  • Resume/CV

  • Examples of work

  • Project description

  • Budget outline

Timeline

  • April 15, 2024: Application portal is open for submissions

  • May 15, 2024: Deadline to submit 

  • September 2024: Announcement of winners 

FAQs

  • There is no entry fee for the Working Assumptions Project Grants.

  • Successful proposals will challenge audiences to look at the intersection of photography and family in new ways and be intended for public consumption. Applicants will demonstrate a unique perspective on photography of family, a deep commitment to their current project, and a prior interest and/or expertise in the proposed area of focus.

  • We support a wide array of projects centered around family, from photography and visual arts to research and educational initiatives. This encompasses photo essays, documentaries, educational content, and innovative research offering new insights into family dynamics. While we prioritize photography, we're open to interdisciplinary projects that merge photography with other creative or research disciplines, such as mixed media, digital exhibitions, performance and collaborative works that broaden the conversation about family.

  • We welcome projects in various stages of completion—whether you’re kicking off a new project, in the midst of an existing project, or looking to bring a project to completion. This grant is not for projects that have already been completed—there must be some phase of the work that is ongoing during the grant term.

    • Example of eligible project: You already finished shooting all the photos for your project, but are spending the next year editing and publishing a book.

    • Example of non-eligible project: You finished your project before the term of the grant and are looking to use the grant for reimbursement on work already completed.

  • Yes, our grants are unrestricted funding. This means recipients have the flexibility to use the grant money as they see fit to support their project and its related activities. We believe this approach empowers grantees to allocate resources in a way that best supports their working process and project goals.

  • This grant is unrestricted. However, to be eligible for the grant, you must be applying for work that will take place during the grant term.

  • Beyond financial support, grantees may receive mentorship, opportunities for networking, and assistance with project development and distribution strategies to maximize the impact of their work.

  • Proposals are evaluated based on their innovation, relevance to our mission, potential impact, and the applicant's ability to execute the project. We also consider how the project will contribute to broader conversations about family.

  • Currently, the grant is open to individuals who are either citizens or residents of the U.S., have a U.S. tax ID, and have a U.S. bank account.

  • All applicants will be notified on a rolling basis and can expect to hear a decision no later than September.

  • If you are selected to receive a grant, funds will be awarded by the end of September.

Contact

For any additional questions, please contact us at hello@workingassumptions.org.