cgap-2016-photo-contest-2016

Application Deadline: September 7th 2016

11th Annual CGAP Photo Contest Financial Inclusion Through Your Lens

Now in its 11th year, the CGAP Photo Contest is looking for original, striking images that capture the importance of microfinance and financial inclusion efforts around the world. Digital innovations and the growing use of smartphones are making it easier for poor and rural customers to manage their daily finances, grow a business, or respond to an emergency. But two billion people still lack access to basic financial services such as savings accounts and credit. Closing the access gap can play a role in reducing extreme poverty and increasing prosperity.

The 2015 contest received more than 3,300 entries from photographers in 77 countries. Winners were showcased by top global media outlets and viewed tens of thousands of times online. The top photographs receive prizes and recognition, and all entrants help to show why financial inclusion matters, in vivid and memorable ways.

This year, the CGAP Photo Contest seeks photos that reflect following themes:

Mobile money and innovations in digital finance
Women’s economic empowerment
Resilience
Small businesses

Show us how access to financial services can empower people and communities around the world.

Contest Rules:

WHO:

The 2016 CGAP Photo Contest is open to all photographers who are at least 18 years old. (The operational team of CGAP, the World Bank, and their immediate families are excluded from participating.)

WHAT:

The 2016 CGAP Photo Contest are looking for original, striking images of the impact of microfinance and financial inclusion around the world.
These images may reflect a range of products and services, institutions, and methodologies, and may touch on a broad range of social, economic, developmental, and technological issues.
The Organizers encourage entries from all regions, in both rural and urban settings. Each photo submission must be accompanied by a brief description, as well as the country where the photo was taken.

Entries must be:

The original work of the entrant
Non-infringing of the rights of others
Respectful of the rights, sensitivities, and culture of persons depicted
An accurate reflection of the subject matter and scene as it appeared, without alteration (other than standard optimization, including removal of dust, cropping, adjustments to color and contrast, etc.)

WHEN:

All entries must be submitted by 11:59pm US EDT 7 September 2016. Voting for the People’s Choice Award begins on 8 September and ends 15 September.

HOW:

Up to 20 photographs may be submitted per person. Entries may be entered by uploading digital files.

FILE REQUIREMENTS:

Digital images or scans of prints may be uploaded. Original files of camera-made digital photos may not exceed five megabytes (5 MB). CGAP cannot be responsible for lost, damaged, late or misdirected entries, or for faulty uploading connections, garbled transmissions, unauthorized intervention, or technical malfunctions.

Prizes:

CGAP intends to award the following prizes. Winners will be notified by e-mail, according to information provided with their submission. If any winner fails to claim his or her prize within 60 days of being notified, that winner may forfeit his or her prize. Any federal, state, and local taxes, fees, and surcharges on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners.

Grand Prize Winner
US$2000 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories and a display in Times Square on PR Newswire Jumbotron

Second Prize Winner
US$500 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories

Third Prize Winner
US$250 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories

People’s Choice Winner
US$250 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award begins September 8th on and ends September 15th.

Regional Winners
US$200 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories
One winner will be chosen from each region, based on the country in which the photo was taken:

Sub-Saharan Africa
Middle East and North Africa
Latin America and Caribbean
Eastern Europe and Central Asia
South Asia
East Asia and Pacific

Special Mentions
US$200 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories
Four winners will be chosen based on the following categories:

Mobile money and innovations in digital finance: People are increasingly using smartphones and other digital channels to send and receive payments, and to access basic services like energy and clean water. Show us how poor customers are using digital services.
Women’s economic empowerment: When women have access to financial services and other economic opportunities, they are able to improve their own lives and those of their families. Show us how women around the world are participating in the economy and changing their lives.
Resilience: For people living in extreme poverty, and for those affected by natural disasters or conflict, financial services can help them to survive difficult situations and build a stronger future. Show us what resilience looks like.
Small businesses: For entrepreneurs, access to finance can help them to expand their businesses, support their families, and create new jobs in their local communities. Show us what financial inclusion means for small businesses and low-income entrepreneurs.

A selection of 5-8 other winners will be chosen
US$100 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2016 CGAP Photo Contest

2016 Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) : 11th Annual CGAP Photo Contest Financial Inclusion Through Your Lens