LSI Women in Photography Grant

LSI Women in Photography Grant is sponsored by Leica Society International (LSI) and Leica U.S.. Launched in 2022, this grant is open to all women photographers worldwide (where allowed by law). It provides funding to help complete an in-progress, personal project.

2026 Women in Photography Grant — LSI - Leica Society International Thank you for your interest in the LSI Women in Photography Grant. The applications are now closed. We have reached our limit of 100 applications.

We hope you will participate in our next grant which will open mid to late summer 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.

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. 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. 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.

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” 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. NOTIFICATION OF AWARD, DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS, CAMERA, & DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION Grant recipient shall be selected and notified by e-mail or telephone. Grant funds will be disbursed in one payment.

The grant funds and the camera and lens will be delivered after the recipient accepts and signs the LSI Grant Letter of Agreement and the conditions therein. PLEASE NOTE: T he grant recipient will be responsible for any taxes, import duties, fees, or associated costs with receipt of the camera/lens. LSI will pay for shipping only .

Grant recipients are expected to provide a brief follow-up report/blog post/photo essay upon completion of the project that describes how the project progressed and provides a detailed explanation of how funds were used. Final Project reports must be submitted within a year of the award disbursement. All questions about the contest shall be directed to LSI at this email address: richard@madcrouch.

com.