Organizer Information

The Alexia Grants are presented by The Alexia, a program housed within the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. The initiative was originally established by the Alexia Foundation for World Peace and Cultural Understanding to honor the legacy of Alexia Tsairis and has grown into one of the most respected photojournalism grant programs internationally. The foundation supports visual storytelling that fosters cultural understanding, addresses socially significant issues, and inspires positive change. The program awards both professional and student grants, emphasizing projects that use photography and multimedia to illuminate important global narratives.

Title & Description

The Alexia Grants 2026 – International Grants for Photojournalism & Visual Storytelling
The Alexia Grants offer financial support, mentorship, and exposure opportunities to photographers, filmmakers, and visual storytellers whose projects promote cross‑cultural understanding and address socially significant topics. Funding is available through multiple grant streams, including flagship Vision Grants and specialized thematic grants, for both professional and student applicants. Projects may be planned or in progress, with an emphasis on storytelling that has societal impact.

Categories

Photography, Visual Arts, Documentary, Multimedia

Eligibility

  • Professional Grant: Open to professional photographers and visual storytellers worldwide.
  • Student Grant: Open to full‑time college and university students in photography, film, or related visual disciplines.
  • Projects must align with The Alexia’s mission of fostering cultural understanding and inspiring change through visual narratives.

Program Benefits & Awards

Professional Grants:

  • Alexia Vision Grant: Up to $20,000 plus a Sony camera and lens to complete the proposed project.
  • Additional specialized pop‑up grants (e.g., conservation, human rights, sports) valued around $5,000 each, often supported by partner organizations.

Student Grants:

  • Alexia Vision Grant (Student): $2,000 plus Sony equipment, acceptance to the Eddie Adams Workshop, tuition‑free audit of courses at Syracuse University, and consideration for a paid research assistant position.
  • Runner‑up and awards of excellence also receive additional financial support.

Other Opportunities:

  • Emerging Photographer scholarships and mentorships may also be available, offering professional guidance and further training.

Application Fee

  • Professional applicants: $50 application fee.
  • Student applicants: Free to apply.

Application Requirements

  • Project synopsis and detailed proposal
  • Biography and CV/resume
  • Body of work or previous visual storytelling samples
  • Budget and timeline (if applicable)
    (Note: Specific file formats and submission details are provided on the official application portal.)

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 13 February 2026

Location

Syracuse, New York, United States

Additional Details

  • Projects must have strong narrative relevance and align with The Alexia’s mission of promoting cultural understanding and positive social impact.
  • Only one application per artist per competition cycle is permitted. Professional applicants who have received substantial funding previously may have eligibility restrictions.
  • Submitted work must adhere to ethical standards in photography; significant digital manipulation or AI‑generated imagery is typically not permitted.

Website Link: https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/centers/the-alexia/grants/