The Royal Photographic Society - Joan Wakelin Bursary

• The Royal Photographic Society

• Deadline: July 14th, 2025

• Category: Social Documentary Photography

• Prize: £2,000 + Travel

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLOSED. Click HERE for more Opportunities

The Joan Wakelin Bursary, a prestigious grant administered by The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) in collaboration with The Guardian, provides an opportunity for photographers to develop and present an international social documentary project. Offering £2,000 in funding, this bursary supports photographers in producing a compelling photographic essay that explores significant global issues.

Established in 2005, the bursary commemorates the late Joan Wakelin, a highly regarded documentary photographer and Honorary Fellow of The RPS. Wakelin’s work exemplified the power of visual storytelling in addressing social issues, and this award seeks to continue her legacy by funding projects that align with her values and approach. The bursary is specifically designated for new projects and does not support ongoing or previously initiated work. Additionally, proposals involving travel to or within war zones are not eligible for funding.

Photographers interested in applying should note that the deadline for submissions is 14 July 2025. To initiate an application or return to an existing submission, visit the official application portal, where applicants can log in using their RPS Account credentials or create a new account if needed.