There is no entry fee for the Working Assumptions Project Grants.

Successful proposals will examine the give-and-take of family and be intended for public consumption. Applicants will demonstrate a unique perspective on visual storytelling around family, a deep commitment to their current project, and a prior interest and/or expertise in the proposed area of focus. We give preference to proposals that are based on first-person narration and/or on long-term, intertwined relationships with the photographic subjects. We also are very attentive to issues of consent and ethical practice.

We support a wide array of projects centered around family, from photography and visual arts to therapeutic and educational initiatives. Potential outcomes include art projects, documentaries, educational content, and photojournalism stories offering new insights into family dynamics. While we prioritize photography and photo-based art, we're open to interdisciplinary projects that merge photography with other creative or intellectual disciplines in order to broaden the conversation about family.

We are open to funding any phase of a given project, provided that work on the project began prior to the grant application deadline. This grant is not for projects that have already been completed; there must be some phase of the work that is ongoing during the grant term. 

• Example of eligible project: You already finished shooting all the photos for your project, but are spending the next year editing and publishing a book.

• Example of non-eligible project: You finished your project before the term of the grant and are looking to use the grant for reimbursement on work already completed.

No. To be eligible, you must be applying for work that will take place during the grant term.

Yes, our grants are unrestricted. This means recipients have the flexibility to use the grant money as they see fit to support their project and its related activities that fall within the period of the grant. We believe this approach empowers grantees to allocate resources in a way that best supports their working process and project goals.

Beyond financial support, grantees may receive mentorship, opportunities for networking, and assistance with project development and distribution strategies to maximize the impact of their work.

Proposals are evaluated based on their innovation, relevance to our mission, potential impact, and the applicant's ability to execute the project. We also consider how the project will contribute to broader conversations about family, so plain-spoken language is always a plus.

We don’t. We leave it up to each individual to decide what the term means to them. If it’s family to you, it’s family to us.

No.

Currently, the grant is open to individuals who are either citizens or residents of the U.S., have a U.S. tax ID, and have a U.S. bank account.

All applicants can expect to hear a decision no later than September.

If you are selected to receive a grant, funds will be awarded by the end of September.

All applicants must submit their application using the online grant portal Good Grants.

Yes, collaborations between individuals are welcome, but grant funds will be disbursed to only one applicant.

For any specific questions not covered here, please contact us at hello@workingassumptions.org.