Michel du Cille Fellowship 2025

The Michel du Cille Fellowship awards $15,000 to a professional photojournalist legally authorized to work in the United States (all 50 states), Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands.

Overview

The fellowship, is given by the National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF), honors the remarkable legacy of Michel du Cille — a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist who dedicated his life to stories of human resilience and dignity. Created to continue his commitment to in-depth visual storytelling, the funding supports documentary photographers pursuing long-term projects that illuminate contemporary issues with empathy, integrity, and narrative depth.

This opportunity offers US $15,000 to enable the recipient to complete a visual documentary project. Alongside the financial support, the awardee will be paired with an NPPF coordinator who will provide monthly guidance and feedback throughout the project’s development.

Practical info

The fellowship is open to professional photojournalists who are legally authorized to work in the United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Minor Outlying Islands. It is not available to applicants residing or working outside these jurisdictions. Students are not eligible to apply.

Candidates may submit projects that are already in progress or newly developed. Collaborations are welcome, provided that each participant’s role is clearly defined. Applicants must also disclose any funding received for the same project; those who have obtained more than US $5,000 in grants or fellowships during the past three years may be subject to additional review of their eligibility.

Applicants should upload a cohesive selection of visual material that best represents their project idea. This may include up to 24 still images, or two to three short videos (each under ten minutes), or a combination of both formats.

The selected photographer retains full copyright to their images and videos. Fellowship funds are intended to support the creation and completion of the project, but not necessarily its publication or exhibition, unless approved as part of the proposed budget. Applicants may continue to pursue other publication opportunities during or after the fellowship, provided these do not conflict with NPPF’s terms.

About NPPF

The National Press Photographers Foundation Inc. (NPPF), a non-profit organization, is charged with advancing photojournalism through education and awarding scholarships and fellowships to deserving individuals who have demonstrated ability or promise in the field of visual journalism. NPPF supports the work of photojournalists who play a critical role in the free flow of visual information.