The CatchLight Global Fellowship supports visual storytellers who use imagery to drive social impact through innovative distribution, community activation, and field sustainability projects. Fellows receive $30,000, professional development, mentorship, and support to execute high-impact visual storytelling initiatives. The program seeks creators, leaders, and educators committed to pushing the boundaries of visual media and strengthening the storytelling ecosystem.

CatchLight Global Fellowship Overview

The CatchLight Global Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for visual storytellers working to create meaningful social change. It supports individuals exploring new ways to distribute visual narratives, activate communities through imagery, and build long-term sustainability for the storytelling field.

The fellowship empowers practitioners who combine creative vision with strategic impact, advancing visual journalism, documentary storytelling, and community-centered media.

Key Focus Areas

CatchLight evaluates applicants based on how their proposed work aligns with its three core impact pillars:

1. Innovative Distribution

Testing new distribution methods that target specific audiences, expand reach, and deepen engagement.

2. Community Activations

Using visual storytelling to collaborate with communities, address local information needs, or amplify underrepresented voices.

3. Field Sustainability

Building systems, tools, or practices that strengthen the global visual storytelling ecosystem and support long-term resilience.

Why It Matters

Visual storytelling is a powerful catalyst for social change. The fellowship:

• Supports creators tackling complex issues through imagery

• Encourages sustainable, community-centered storytelling practices

• Amplifies underrepresented voices and local narratives

• Helps scale the real-world impact of visual projects

• Strengthens the global storytelling ecosystem through innovation and collaboration

What Fellows Receive

Selected Global Fellows are awarded:

• $30,000 fellowship grant

• Access to future funding opportunities

• Personalized professional development and strategic support

• Impact planning guidance from CatchLight’s network

• Travel and accommodations for the CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit in San Francisco

Fellows also gain visibility and access to a broad network of journalists, educators, creative leaders, and social-impact partners.

Who Is Eligible?

The fellowship welcomes:

Eligible Applicants

• Visual storytellers with long-form, impact-driven projects

• Community leaders and educators using visual media

• Practitioners exploring innovative distribution or engagement models

• Individuals committed to field sustainability and storytelling ethics

• Applicants who can clearly communicate a social impact strategy

Not Eligible

• Collectives or organizations (unless specified otherwise)

• Applicants without a well-defined project or impact vision

• Submissions not in English

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through Submittable with no entry fee.

Required Application Components

Applicants must provide:

• Fellowship statement

• Thesis or project statement

• Detailed description of proposed work

• Distribution plan and engagement strategy

• Impact measurement or feedback plan

• Project timeline

• Budget outline

• Topic suggestions for community knowledge-sharing

• Image submissions (portfolio or project samples)

• Two or more professional references

• Short bio

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

All materials must be submitted in English.

Program Expectations for Fellows

During the fellowship, participants must:

• Submit quarterly project updates

• Share assets demonstrating project impact

• Provide materials for program communications and public promotion

• Present their final findings or outcomes

• Engage actively with the CatchLight network and storytelling community

Selection Criteria

CatchLight evaluates proposals based on:

• Innovation and originality of the visual storytelling approach

• Clarity and feasibility of the proposed project

• Strength of community engagement or distribution strategy

• Demonstrated potential for measurable social impact

• Contribution to the sustainability and advancement of visual storytelling

• Applicant’s professional background and leadership record

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting vague or unclear impact goals

• Providing incomplete application materials

• Failing to explain why the project matters to a specific community

• Overlooking the need for a measurable engagement or feedback plan

• Neglecting to include a realistic timeline or budget

• Supplying too few or irrelevant work samples

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do applicants need to be photographers only?

No. The fellowship is open to any visual storyteller, including multimedia creators, filmmakers, illustrators, and educators.

2. Is there an application fee?

No. Submission through Submittable is free.

3. Can projects be ongoing or must they be new?

Both are accepted, as long as the applicant demonstrates a clear plan and measurable impact.

4. Do Fellows need to attend the CatchLight Summit?

Yes. Travel and lodging are covered by the program.

5. Are teams allowed to apply?

The fellowship is primarily designed for individuals; team applications may not be eligible unless CatchLight specifies otherwise.

6. Do applicants need community partners?

It’s not required, but proposals with strong community collaboration strategies are highly competitive.

7. What languages are accepted?

All materials must be submitted in English.

Conclusion

The CatchLight Global Fellowship is a leading opportunity for visual storytellers committed to social impact, innovative distribution, and community-centered storytelling. With financial support, mentorship, and global visibility, it empowers creators to advance meaningful narratives and strengthen the storytelling ecosystem. Applicants with a clear vision, strong engagement strategy, and commitment to field sustainability will be best positioned for success.