ViewFind, a new social platform for visual stories, announced their inaugural Visual Storytelling Grants today, offering $5,000 to three photojournalists to explore the themes of racial, ethnic and cultural identity around the world.

The ViewFind editorial team selected the theme of race and ethnic identity because they saw a need for more visual voices on some of the most pivotal issues facing the world today, including the protests against police violence in Ferguson, Missouri and the ongoing migration crisis across the Mediterranean.

“We chose the theme of race because, well… how could we not?” said ViewFind Editorial Director Thea Breite, who helped establish the grants. “We have an opportunity and a responsibility to fund work that adds to important dialogue about these issues.”

The grants will be awarded to photojournalists who submit their work for consideration via the ViewFind platform. Judges for the grants include Magnum photographer Eli Reed, Alexia Foundation picture editor Mike Davis, Open Society Foundations Documentary Photography Project associate director Yukiko Yamagata, and Poynter Institute senior faculty member Kenny Irby.

Photojournalists are invited to submit from today through October 9. Judges will determine the recipients and award the three grants by November 23. To apply for the grant, visit viewfind.com/grant.