Short Description
The Doug Pensinger Photography Fund (DPPF) supports emerging sports photographers by creating a community that develops and advances their skill and vision.
Unique in its focus on talented young sports photographers, the DPPF was founded in memory of photojournalist Doug Pensinger. Its programs honor Doug’s legacy of community, connection, and inclusivity. Whether he was covering high-profile competitions–like the Tour de France, the World Series, the Olympics, World Cup Soccer, or the Super Bowl–or more niche events like skateboarding or cyclocross, Doug brought a human touch and his tremendous storytelling skills to the images he captured. Throughout his career Doug worked tirelessly to improve his artistry and craft; he was often a resource to his colleagues and also advised and mentored young photographers. The DPPF was created to continue these efforts on his behalf.
Eligibility
The Doug Pensinger Photography Fund supports emerging and early-career sports photographers. Photographers with more than 3 years cumulative paid professional sports photography experience are considered beyond the scope of the DPPF’s programs.
DPPF programs accept international applicants, but the DPPF is unable to award grants to photographers from countries against which the U.S. has active sanctions.
Previous DPPF grant recipients are not eligible to apply.
Program Benefits or Awards
7 photographers will be chosen to receive $5,000 grants to be spent on career development. They will also receive an expenses-paid trip to the 2026 DPPF Sports Photography Gathering.
Up to 3 of those seven grant recipients will be chosen to receive a year-long mentorship with leading industry professionals on the DPPF Advisory Board.
Up to 3 additional applications may be chosen for Development Grants of $2,500.
HOW DO I APPLY?
The application will be live on the Picter platform beginning on March 15.
The deadline is 11:59pm on May 1, according to your time zone (determined by the IP address on your computer.)
Requirements
Resume: Must include dates and be in English. Please note that in addition to demonstrating that you are a serious aspiring sports photographer, the resume is also the tool that the DPPF uses to determine that your level of experience does not exceed the limits of eligibility.
Professional Bio: 1500-character maximum
Portfolio: 20 sports photography images (action and portrait both accepted), minimum size 1500px long side. All 20 required images must be taken on or after 1/1/2021. 15 of the required 20 images must be taken on or after 1/1/2023
Optional Mentorship Essay
Up to three Primary Grant winners will be chosen to receive a year-long mentorship during which they will receive access to leading industry professionals on the DPPF Advisory Board. Applying for a mentorship is not required to compete for a DPPF grant. More information on the DPPF mentorships is here.
Mentorship applicants are required to answer the following question: How would you benefit from a mentorship with members of the DPPF’s Advisory Board? (1500-character maximum)
Optional Development Grant Essay
After the Primary Grants of $5,000 are awarded, up to three of the remaining applicants will be chosen to receive a Development Grant of $2,500. Applying for a Development Grant is not required to compete for a Primary Grant. DPPF Development Grants support sports photographers whose portfolios demonstrate talent and technical skills while their biographies and essays reflect significant economic, geographic and/or cultural challenges that have impacted their ability to advance their careers. Development Grant applicants are required to answer the following question: How have significant economic, geographic and/or cultural challenges impacted your ability to advance your photography career? (1500-character maximum)
Entry Fee:
None
Location:
United states
Submissions open:
15 March 2025
Deadline:
May 1, 2025
Website link:
https://dougpensingerphotographyfund.org/grants/#
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