We are proud and excited to announce that the ECCA Family Foundation will sponsor the ECCA-DMJX Photojournalism Award for the third time. With it’s major economical prizes this award is among the most valuable in the world and it is designed to support DMJX student projects.
In a time where AI-generated images challenge our perception of the world, the need for powerful and trustworthy visual storytelling has never been more urgent. Therefore, for the third time, the ECCA Family Foundation and DMJX photojournalism call for grant applications that will enable the receivers to continue and publish documentary projects made while studying at DMJX.
The ECCA-DMJX Photojournalism Award is meticulously crafted to harness the transformative power of visual storytelling to illuminate pressing issues facing our planet and underserved communities.
The ECCA Family Foundation states their reason for the grant support:
“Photojournalism is, at its heart, an act of care – of choosing to see, and helping others see too. At ECCA, we believe these stories can create ripples far beyond the frame. Through this award, we hope to support emerging storytellers as they bring us closer to the realities we might otherwise never witness.”
Facts about the Award
Who can apply?
All photojournalists who have studied at or graduated from DMJX Photojournalism from fall term of 2024 to spring term of 2026 are eligible to apply with any project they have worked on during their education at DMJX relevant to either nature and/or underserved communities. Projects made as part of assignments during a student’s internship can not be submitted. We accept both individual and group projects.
Whether shedding light on the plight of our oceans, documenting the effects of climate change on marginalized communities, or celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of those facing adversity, we welcome all untold stories.
How to apply?
To apply, candidates should submit two PDFs.
One PDF showcasing the visual story itself, including necessary text (or a link if it’s a video).
One PDF with the application itself, consisting of:
- A short pitch for the story.
- Description and motivation of how the grant will be utilized for continuing the story, including plans for display or showcase.
- A budget detailing the use of the 30,000 DKK grant
- Additional budget allocation explaining how the additional 70,000 DKK would be utilized in case of winning the main prize.
- Working plan, including a timetable.
What can be won?
The main prize is a grant of 100,000 DKK.
Up to 3 honorary mentions will receive a 30,000 DKK grant.
Prize grants can be used for a variety of purposes related to the project, including large exhibitions, production costs, curatorial expenses, salaries for external partners, necessary equipment etc.
Timeline
Call for entries: March 2026
Submission deadline: June 18, 2024, at noon (Danish time) on email to Søren Pagter
Jury meeting: Mid-August 2026
Award recipients announced at a ceremony at DMJX: September 2026, when the fall term has started.
The Jury
Shortlisted projects will be reviewed by a judging panel consisting of ECCA Family Foundation, DMJX academics, and people from the photography industry. Evaluation criteria will focus on impact, creativity, and visual storytelling skills, prioritizing those who share our passion for raising awareness and spurring action.
The jury will be:
Rehab Eldalil, documentary photographer and educator
Amelie Schneider, director of photography, Die Zeit
Christian Algot Enevoldsen, chairman, ECCA Family Foundation
Mads Greve, associate professor, DMJX photojournalism
Søren Pagter, associate professor and educational coordinator, DMJX photojournalism
Previous recipients of the ECCA-DMJX Photojournalism Award
2024
Main winner:
Florine Schmid and Marie Ruwet – With Nature on Our Side
Runner-ups:
Liv Møller Kastrup and Rikke Kjær Poulsen – Do You See, What I See
Mohamed Mahdy – Here, The Doors Don’t Know Me
Christian Falck Wolff – Generation Climate
2022
Main winner:
Louise Herrche Serup and Sarah Hartvigsen Juncker – You Still Don’t Know My Name
Runner-ups:
Mikkel Hørlyck – No Man’s Land
Fares Zaitoon – Stranger Tourist
Manuel Seoane – Panoramics of Disaster