CatchLight Global Fellowship

The CatchLight Global Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity created by CatchLight, an organization dedicated to supporting visual storytelling as a vehicle for social change. CatchLight has long been known for its commitment to visual media that catalyzes impact, fosters community dialogue, and advances social justice. The Global Fellowship program is a key component of this mission, offering significant financial, developmental, and professional resources to visual storytellers worldwide. This fellowship aims to support long-form visual storytellers who have a clear impact project, educators with innovative methods, or leaders working to grow the field of visual storytelling. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed work advances new methods or solutions in one or more strategic areas: innovative distribution, community activations, or sustainability in the field. Emphasis is placed on visuals that connect people, inform audiences, and have measurable social influence. Applicants must complete the application via Submittable between November 15 and December 15, 2025. There is no entry fee. Required materials include a fellowship statement, thesis, detailed project description, impact plan, timeline, budget estimate, topic proposals for community sharing, images for submission and promotion, references, a biography, and a curriculum vitae. All documents must be submitted in English, and interviews will also be conducted in English. Deliverables for fellows include quarterly updates, shared media assets proving impact, promotional materials, and a final presentation of their findings. Fellows receive a $30,000 award, with potential access to additional future funding. Travel and accommodations for the CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit in San Francisco are also covered. Additional benefits include executive coaching, strategic support from CatchLight staff, and access to a robust network of professionals. Evaluation criteria focus on innovation in distribution, the power of community engagement, and models that strengthen the sustainability of visual storytelling. Selected fellows will join a dynamic cohort of peers and receive support for both personal and professional development in their practice.

Highlight how your work creates impact and connects with specific communities; detail audience engagement plans and feedback mechanisms.