Vital Impacts Honors Exceptional Environmental Leaders with Seven New Grants

Vital Impacts is thrilled to announce that each of our 2024 Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Grants will be named to honor these exceptional individuals who embody environmental stewardship, advocacy, and innovation. We hope their stories inspire all who see them to explore their impactful work and follow in their footsteps.

The seven (7) Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Grants are:

The Dr. Jane Goodall Environmental Photography Grant ($20,000)

Dr. Goodall’s extraordinary journey has not only transformed our understanding of primates but has also profoundly deepened our bond with the natural world. Her groundbreaking research opened our eyes to the rich emotional lives of chimpanzees, while her relentless advocacy through the Jane Goodall Institute has galvanized a global movement to protect endangered species and their
precious habitats.

The Vital Impacts Jane Goodall Grant, honoring ethologist and conservationist, will support a photographer dedicated to telling powerful, solutions-focused environmental stories. It is with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate Dr. Goodall’s legacy and unwavering dedication to both humanity and the planet. Her spirit of hope and resilience continues to inspire us all to make a difference.

The Sylvia Earle Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

Dr. Sylvia Earle, an oceanographer and tireless advocate for marine conservation has been recognized as TIME magazine’s "Hero for the Planet" and a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, Dr. Earle has shattered records and set new standards with over 7,500 hours underwater. Her achievements include leading the first all-female team of “Aquanauts” in 1970, setting a world untethered diving record in 1979, and serving as Chief Scientist for NOAA, the first woman in that
role.

In 2008, Dr. Earle founded Mission Blue to create a global network of marine protected areas, known as Hope Spots, aiming to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. This grant honors her legacy by supporting photographers who capture the beauty and critical state of our oceans, inspiring action and awareness through powerful visual storytelling.

The Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is an Indigenous environmental activist and member of Chad’s pastoralist Mbororo people. Since founding the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT) at the age of 12, Ibrahim has worked to elevate Indigenous voices and safeguard their lands from degradation. She has held leadership roles in global climate negotiations, including serving as co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change at COP21, and continues to positively influence international policy.

We hope this grant inspires and supports storytelling works that promote Indigenous experiences and knowledge in the fight to save our planet.

The Ian Lemaiyan Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

Ian Lemaiyan’s vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His journey began with a passion for studying rhino behavior and blossomed into a distinguished career as a conservation pilot. His vital work, which included critical aerial surveys and anti-poaching patrols across Kenya, demonstrated his deep commitment to wildlife protection and his love for flying. Ian also had a deep love for photography and film, and his work was featured in Wildlife Warriors and The Flying Maasai.

Our aim with this grant is to support young dreamers who, like Ian, aspire to make a meaningful difference in the world and honor the remarkable legacy that continues to inspire us all.

The Chico Mendes Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

Chico Mendes, a laborer turned environmentalist, championed the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and the rights of local and Indigenous communities.

As a Brazilian rubber tapper and land rights leader, Mendes created the world’s first tropical forest conservation initiative led by the forest peoples themselves. His work led to the establishment of Brazil's extractive reserves—protected forest areas managed by local communities. Chico Mendes dedicated his life to safeguarding the Amazon, inspiring the next wave of environmental activism and leaving a lasting legacy of environmental and social justice.

We hope that this grant will inspire unrelenting bravery and fierce determination to protect and preserve the natural world.

The Madonna Thunder Hawk Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

Madonna Thunder Hawk is an activist and a guiding force for generations of Native American leaders.

Ms.Thunder Hawk's tireless advocacy for justice and environmental protection has left an indelible mark on the world. From her pivotal role in the Red Power Movement and the occupation of Alcatraz, to her leadership in the American Indian Movement and the Black Hills Alliance, her dedication to protecting both people and the environment is unparalleled.

She was the tribal liaison for the Lakota People's Law Project, and today, serves as an advisor to the Warrior Women Project and the Director of Grassroots Organizing for the Red Road Institute, where she remains a fierce advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice.

This grant will reflect her legacy by supporting a photographer whose work highlights impactful, solutions-based environmental stories.

The E.O. Wilson Environmental Photography Grant ($5,000)

Dr. E.O. Wilson was a renowned biologist whose work shaped modern conservation science. His innovative concept of "Half-Earth" advocates for dedicating half of the Earth's surface to nature, aiming to halt the global extinction crisis.

Through his influential writings and the establishment of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation's Half-Earth Project, Wilson's legacy continues to inspire efforts to protect and restore the world's ecosystems for future generations.

Through this grant, we hope to counter the onward march of the Anthropocene and help foster a reconciliation between humanity and the natural world.

It is imperative that grant recipients focus on documenting a story within their own community. Our goal is to bolster local journalism, so we're specifically targeting photographers rooted in the communities they aim to spotlight. We won't be considering applications from photographers outside of the respective community or country.

Prior publication experience is not a requirement. Vital Impacts is particularly interested in uplifting visual journalists and storytellers who have been working on long term projects and who have existing relationships with the stakeholders in this issue.

In addition to the grants, ten (10) emerging photographers will be chosen to participate in an intensive mentorship program, designed to nurture their growth and enhance their craft.

All applicants will be invited to join our comprehensive online mentorship series, which provides valuable insights and guidance to all who are interested.

Interested applicants can learn more about the 2024 Vital Impacts Environmental Photograph Grants and Mentorships at https://bit.ly/vitalgrants