Grants in Photography 2026

Light Work is a Syracuse, New York nonprofit photography organization with a long history of supporting photographers — its annual residency program has hosted hundreds of artists since 1976. The Grants in Photography are the organization's annual cash-grant program for New York State photographers.

Five $3,000 grants are awarded each cycle. Eligibility is restricted to photographers based in New York State outside the New York City metropolitan region — the program is structured to support photographers in the rest of the state rather than the dominant urban concentration.

Beyond cash, recipients are exhibited at Light Work and published in Contact Sheet, the organization's long-running journal.

Submission is through SlideRoom with 10–20 images. Application is free. The 2026 deadline was April 1.