PowerLines Documentary Photography Fellowship

PowerLines is a national US nonprofit focused on modernizing public utilities. The Documentary Photography Fellowship is the organization's commissioned-storytelling program: a fellow documents the human experience of rising utility costs across the United States.

The fellowship is paid commission rather than competition prize. The structure: a three-month fellowship from May 15 through August 15, 2026, with a $30,000 stipend distributed over the three months. Image rights are joint between the photographer and PowerLines, and fellows may accept non-conflicting external assignments during the fellowship period.

Eligibility is restricted to professional photographers with at least three years of documentary or photojournalism experience. The fellowship is project-specific and requires US-focused subject matter.

Application is free, made through Workable with 20 images. The 2026 deadline was April 15; results announced late April 2026.