The 2011 W. Eugene Smith Grant for Humanistic Photography is now open for entries. The deadline for the receipt of applications is May 31, 2011. Photographers interested in applying may obtain guidelines at the W. Eugene Smith Fund website.

For 2011, the amount of the grant will be $30,000. An additional $5,000 in fellowship money will be dispersed, at the discretion of the jury, to one or more finalists deemed worthy of special recognition. Grants will be presented in a ceremony held in New York City in October.

The W. Eugene Smith Grant for Humanistic Photography was established in 1979 following the death of Gene Smith, the legendary American photo essayist. Today, the grant represents the most prestigious honor in the field of documentary photography.

The Judging:
Every year, the fund’s board of trustees appoints a three-member international jury to recognize a photographer who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to documenting the human condition in the spirit of Smith’s humanistic photography and his compassionate dedication. The jury meets twice.

To Apply:
Applicants in the process of producing or completing a project in the tradition of W. Eugene Smith’s humanistic photography should include a written proposal that is concise, journalistically realizable, visually translatable, and humanistically driven, plus a resumé of educational and professional qualifications. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate evidence of their photographic ability and submit between 20 and 40 images.

The grant recipient must affirm that the proposed project is ongoing.

For an application form or more information about the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund, visit their website at http://smithfund.org