The Howard Chapnick Grant 2024

In 1996 the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund established the Howard Chapnick Grant, to support leadership in fields such as editing, research, education, and management--activities essential to photojournalism and documentary photography that complement the creation of images. The Grant was established to honor the memory of Howard Chapnick. As president of the photo agency Black Star, Chapnick was responsible for building a network of photographers around the world. He mentored photographers and taught annual workshops at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. In 1994 he published the book Truth Needs No Ally: Inside Photojournalism. Alongside Jim Hughes, Chapnick was a principal founder of the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund. After his death in 1996, the Fund established a grant in his memory.

The Howard Chapnick Grant recognizes programs–rather than individuals–that significantly contribute to the field of documentary photography through education. Education, as defined broadly, could include not only direct learning, but also research, publication, archives, exhibitions, online resources, and social media dissemination–but only if these activities are dedicated to knowledge sharing purposes intended to effect change. Nominated programs should display a deep commitment to their communities, particularly those who are underrepresented, and to the advancement of photography in their region. They should foster dialogue on societal issues and have a clear, long-term impact. Organizations applying should have a well-established history, coherent goals, demonstrated impact, and a defined constituency.

Note: This grant is not intended to be used for the creation or production of photographs, which will continue to be funded by the Smith Grant and the Smith Student Grant.