Vital Impacts

What does it mean to live a creative life rooted in connection? Join us this Wednesday, October 8 at 11 AM ET, for our next Vital Impacts Online Speaker Series event with award-winning photographer Camille Seaman. For more than two decades, Camille has ventured to Earth’s polar regions, documenting their breathtaking beauty and the urgent changes reshaping these fragile landscapes. In her talk, The Creative Life: Finding Connection and Purpose, she’ll reflect on how her upbringing shaped her relationship with the planet and the path that has led her to joy and creativity. Register at https://lnkd.in/eKhQFK44 to be part of this inspiring conversation. 📷: Camille Seaman

Her presence lingers in every photograph and every collaboration we undertake with scientists, photographers, and storytellers around the world. Through her example, we have learned to listen deeply, to bear witness, and to ensure that these stories are not only seen but felt and remembered. Because Dr. Jane Goodall taught us that when science meets storytelling, hearts open and change becomes possible. And in that truth, her legacy will never fade.

World Rhino Day reminds us: extinction is forever, but hope is not lost. For 16 years, Ami Vitale has been documenting the story of the last northern white rhinos; a journey of joy, heartbreak, hope, and extraordinary resilience. We are honored to share that The Last Rhinos: A New Hope is now streaming on Nat Geo Channel, Hulu, and Disney+, telling the story of the remarkable people who refuse to give up on this species. With only two surviving females, Fatu and Najin the BioRescue Project team and the devoted caretakers at Ol Pejeta Conservancy are racing against time to create the first surrogate rhino pregnancy—a groundbreaking step that could bring these magnificent animals back from the edge of extinction. On this World Rhino Day, please watch and share both The Last Rhinos: A New Hope and Remembering Sudan, available on the Vital Impacts website. Together, we can spread love, raise awareness, and help ensure these incredible creatures are not lost to history. 

Don’t forget—there are only 6 DAYS LEFT to apply for the Vital Impacts 2026 Environmental Photography Grants and Mentorships! Apply by Monday, September 15 at bit.ly/vitalgrants 🌍📸 Vital Impacts is awarding one $20,000 grant and six $5,000 grants to support documentary projects focused on local, solution-based environmental narratives. Over the course of a year, recipients will bring their stories to life with support from our team and mentorship community. Ten additional photographers will be selected for an intensive mentorship program with one-on-one sessions from leading photographers, editors, and industry experts. Plus, all applicants are invited to an online mentorship series offering meaningful insights and opportunities to grow. As 2025 mentee and Annie Griffiths grant winner Charlie Cordero shared: “What truly stood out to me was the warmth and generosity of the mentors. From the very beginning, I felt a genuine interest in helping me grow, not only in the technical aspects, but also in how I think and feel about my work… Collaboration with other photographers in the program was also incredibly valuable—sharing questions, methods, and passions made the experience feel even more collective and alive.” Photos by 2023 mentees Daylin Paul, Mahdi Barchian, Ranita Roy, Katherine Cheng, and David Herasimtschuk

Hurry! There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to apply for the 2026 Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Grants. Don’t miss your chance to receive funding and mentorship to tell your environmental story. Apply by Sept. 15 at bit.ly/vitalgrants 🌍📸 In addition to awarding a total of $50,000 in grants, ten photographers will be selected for an intensive mentorship program designed to strengthen storytelling skills and expand professional networks. All applicants will also be invited to join an online mentorship series, offering valuable insights and learning opportunities from industry leaders. Help spread the word! Share this opportunity with photographers passionate about using visual storytelling for impact. Photo by 2023 grant recipient Musuk Nolte

Calling all photographers! There are only 8 DAYS LEFT to apply for the Vital Impacts 2026 Environmental Photography Grants and Mentorships! We’re offering one $20,000 grant, six $5,000 grants, and 10 in-depth mentorships to support the unique voices and perspectives that can inspire change. Along with funding and mentorship, you’ll also gain access to a community of storytellers and talks like this one. In this clip from a conversation between Annie Griffiths and Ami Vitale on how to craft a successful grant application, Annie reminds us not to undervalue our own gifts. What feels ordinary to you might be exactly what makes your storytelling extraordinary. Apply by Sept. 15 at bit.ly/vitalgrants.

Time is ticking! 🗓️‼️There are just 9 DAYS LEFT to submit an application for the 2026 Vital Impacts Grants and Mentorships! Apply now at bit.ly/vitalgrants These grants support visual storytellers tackling solutions-based environmental issues in their communities. Vital Impacts is offering: • 1 grant of $20,000 • 6 grants of $5,000 • A 12-month window to bring your story to life Plus, 10 emerging photographers will be selected for an intensive mentorship program, and all applicants are invited to join our online mentorship series. Help spread the word! Share this opportunity with photographers passionate about using visual storytelling for impact. Photos by 2024 mentees Kyle Obermann, Fatmah Fahmy, Adra Pallon, Mehdi Mohebipor, and Jessica Hadley

Just 10 DAYS LEFT to apply for the Vital Impacts 2026 Environmental Photography Grants & Mentorships! This is more than just funding, it’s a chance to work side by side with the very best in the industry. We’re offering $50,000 in grants and ten year-long mentorships with legendary leaders shaping the future of visual storytelling. Last year, we were thrilled to award Pat Kane Photo the $20,000 Dr. Jane Goodall Grant (The Jane Goodall Institute). With this support, Pat deepened his documentation of Indigenous-led stewardship, highlighting the vital relationship between communities and the caribou that sustain them. Pat also had the rare opportunity to be mentored by Sarah Leen, the first female Director of Photography at National Geographic. Her guidance and support made a lasting impact on his work and vision.  Know someone who’s ready for this kind of transformative opportunity? Don’t let them miss out—apply by September 15 at bit.ly/vitalgrants.

Have you applied yet? ⏳ Don’t wait—applications for the Vital Impacts 2026 Grants and Mentorships close September 15—just 11 days away! Vital Impacts is awarding one $20,000 grant and six $5,000 grants to support documentary projects that spotlight local, solution-driven environmental narratives. Over the course of a year, recipients will bring their stories to life with the support of our team and mentorship community. Plus, 10 additional photographers will be selected for our intensive mentorship program, with one-on-one guidance from leading photographers, editors, and industry experts to strengthen storytelling and expand professional networks. 2025 grant winner Sofia Lopez Mañan shares: “The generosity of the people behind Vital Impacts is truly remarkable. It is more than just a photography grant—it’s a space of genuine support throughout the entire creative journey. A place where one can speak openly about even the most overwhelming insecurities, while also sharing the enthusiasm, commitment, and excitement that inspire each project.” Featuring images from past mentees Anthony Mbogori, Angela Ponce, Kate Vylet, Nichole Holmann, Sofia Lopez Mañan, and Kasia Slensinska. Know someone who should apply? Tag them! Learn more and apply at bit.ly/vitalgrants. #grants #photographygrants #environment #conservation #opportunities #vitalimpacts Ami Vitale Nikon