Frequently asked questions

Can students apply?

Can collaborators apply?

Can non-professional photographers apply?

Is there any age restriction for applicants?

Is AI-generated imagery allowed?

Can I submit my application by mail?

When will I be notified of the outcome of the Smith Fund Grant?

Does the Smith Fund offer guidance or commentary on the proposals?

Can I submit multiple applications for different projects?

How do you define a Project Description vs a Project Proposal?

What is the difference between a Biography and a CV?

My Project Description, Project Proposal, or Biography is longer than the length stated in the guidelines. Can I still submit it/them?

What format should I use to save my digital images?

I have been researching a new photo project in the past year and only now am I beginning to travel, make photographs and pursue interviews. Nothing significant has been photographed just yet (as my time had been spent mostly in archives and working on access to sources). Is a project like this, at this stage, appropriate as a submission to the Smith Fund?

Can I enter if I live outside of the U.S.?

I will be a student at the time of submission, but I will have graduated by the time the grant is decided. Am I eligible to apply for the Smith Grant?

Can I apply for both the Student Grant and the Smith Grant?

The photographic part of my project is already finished; however I still need to edit the material and produce an exhibition and/or a book with it. For me the project is still ongoing and has yet to be launched. Can I apply for this grant?

I am a professional freelance photographer but have been accepted into a graduate program in photography beginning in the fall. I am uncertain which grant, the Smith Grant or the Student Grant to apply for?

I would like to apply to archive and organize my many years of photography in the form of prints, portfolios, film and negatives. This project is in preparation for exhibitions and a retrospective. Is this an acceptable project within the guidelines?

Will my images be sold?

Can I apply for the Smith Grant using the same project I proposed in the prior year?

If I was short-listed in the past year, can I apply again using the project for which I was recognized?