Funding Opportunities for Black and African Women Creatives

At Black Women Photographers, we’re committed to ensuring Black and African women creatives have access to the funding, resources, and community they need to thrive.

On this page, you’ll find a curated list of ongoing grant opportunities, photo residencies, and open calls, along with trusted newsletters and platforms to subscribe to so you never miss funding opportunities for your creative practice. Whether you’re seeking support for a long-term documentary project, business development costs, travel, or equipment, this resource is designed to help you stay informed and prepared.

Throughout the year, Black Women Photographers offers multiple grant opportunities to directly support our community. To date, we have distributed over $230,000 to fund creative projects and business expenses for Black and African women creatives, along with an additional $80,000 in mirrorless camera equipment to help artists expand their technical capacity and storytelling power.

We believe access changes everything.

Photograph by 2025 BWP x Nikon grant recipient Wambui Lornah Sharon.

  • In partnership with Nikon, the Black Women Photographers x Nikon Grant Fund provides critical funding and mirrorless camera equipment to Black and African women creatives pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

    Together, we’re creating tangible pathways for creatives to access the tools, capital, and visibility necessary to thrive. This fund is about more than financial support—it’s about long-term investment in vision, voice, and community.

  • The Black Women Photographers x Flickr partnership is rooted in visibility, community, and global reach. Together, we create meaningful opportunities for Black and African women photographers to showcase their work on an international platform, connect with wider audiences, and amplify the stories that matter most.

    Through curated features and community initiatives, this collaboration helps expand access and recognition for our members—ensuring their creative voices are seen, celebrated, and supported within the broader photography ecosystem.

    By combining community power with platform access, we’re building sustainable pathways for exposure, growth, and long-term impact.

  • Find residencies, grants, and award opportunities for artists working in all disciplines here.

  • Every month, Colossal shares opportunities for artists and designers, including open calls, grants, fellowships, and residencies. Check it out here.

  • Hyperallergic’s monthly Opportunities Listings provide a resource to artists and creatives looking for funding and community support to further their work.

  • For over 30 years, The Alexia grants have supported student and professional visual communicators who produce projects that inspire change by addressing socially significant topics. Learn more here.

  • The Best Artist Opportunities from Artwork Archive brings together the most promising artist grants, artist residencies, and open calls for artists to help you advance your art practice and expand your reach.

  • FotoRoom is an online space showcasing works of contemporary photography ranging in genre, theme and style, and made by artists from all over the globe. Check out their helpful resources for photographers here.