Vital Impacts

Vital Impacts Grants and Mentorship Program supports local storytellers in communities most affected by environmental challenges, equipping them with tools, networks, and opportunities to inspire change. In 2024, we awarded seven grants totaling $50,000 to empower local photographers who document environmental issues and solutions within their communities. Their storytelling highlights resilience and drives meaningful change. Our mentoring program paired 10 emerging environmental photographers with journalists and editors from leading media outlets, including National Geographic, Smithsonian, and The Washington Post, resulting in 175 articles published. Additionally, our monthly online mentorship series engaged 884 local journalists from 79 countries, fostering a global network of environmental communicators, expanding publishing opportunities, and enhancing media innovation.