Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation Grant

The Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation offers grant funding to support photography-centered programs and projects across the United States. The Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to the advancement and appreciation of photography as an art form and tool for education, community engagement, and cultural preservation. Its funding priorities include education, professional development, community-based projects, exhibitions, and the archiving or cataloging of photographic materials. The Foundation’s mission emphasizes accessibility, public benefit, and quality in photography-related initiatives, and it provides financial support to both nonprofit organizations and individuals working under fiscal sponsorship. For the 2026 grant cycle, applications will be accepted through the Foundation’s online portal on Submittable from January 1 to March 15, 2026. Letters of inquiry are no longer required, simplifying the submission process. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, as well as individuals and small organizations that have a fiscal sponsor. The Foundation specifically funds photography education programs for K–12 students or adults, professional development opportunities such as fellowships or residencies, community documentary projects, exhibitions with budgets under $50,000, and archiving or cataloging initiatives for photographic collections. Personal photography projects, honoraria, and similar activities are also considered. Applicants must ensure that proposed projects begin no earlier than June 1, 2026. For exhibition-related proposals, the exhibition opening date must fall on or after October 1, 2026. Projects starting earlier than these dates will not be eligible for consideration. The Foundation does not fund general operating expenses, salaries, administrative costs, capital improvements, or projects supporting non-U.S. citizens or residents. In addition, funding is not available for video or motion picture projects, academic lectures, symposia, or exhibitions with budgets exceeding $50,000. The evaluation process centers on several criteria, including the soundness of the project budget, overall feasibility, and impact, as well as the quality of the project or program, community engagement, and the strength of the leadership involved. The Foundation places special emphasis on unique, well-conceived projects that raise awareness of photography and bring it into community settings. Programs with strong alumni networks and sustained engagement are viewed favorably. The application must include specific documentation: the organization’s IRS determination letter, a mission statement, details about the organization and its history, the board of trustees with affiliations, current and past fiscal year budgets, and a detailed project description and budget. Applicants must also clearly indicate the amount requested from the Foundation and list other potential or confirmed funders. Additional materials, such as résumés, photographic samples, press articles, and program-specific documents like sample curricula or exhibition checklists, are required depending on the project type. All proposals must be submitted through the Foundation's online portal at Submittable.com. Applicants must create a login and select the appropriate submission form based on the project type. Questions regarding the correct form or submission requirements can be directed to the Foundation’s staff via the contact information provided. Awards will be determined following the review of complete applications submitted by the March 15, 2026 deadline.