2026 IWMF Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award – Win $20,000

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Applications are now open for the 2026 IWMF Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award. This prestigious award honors the life and work of Pulitzer Prize-winning AP photographer and IWMF Courage in Journalism Award winner Anja Niedringhaus (1965–2014).

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

The Award celebrates the courageous work of women photojournalists whose work reflects dedication, bravery, and a commitment to telling stories that inspire action and deepen understanding of the world.

Established in 2014 with a $1 million gift from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Award includes public recognition, a showcase of the recipient’s work, and a $20,000 cash prize.

Eligibility Criteria for the Award

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Open to women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming journalists.
• Must be working as a full-time journalist, with journalism as their primary profession.
• Both freelance journalists and those affiliated with media organizations are eligible.

Additional Requirements for Submission

• The photographer must be the author of all images submitted in their name.
• The photographer, or their agent/representative, must be the copyright holder or authorized by the copyright holder to submit the images.
• Finalists or winners may be requested to submit RAW or original camera files for verification.
• Photographers must be transparent about their photographic process and accountable to the IWMF regarding their work.

This Award is an exceptional opportunity for courageous women photojournalists to gain recognition, share their stories globally, and be celebrated for their contributions to journalism and visual storytelling.