Howard G. Buffett Foundation Chair on Conflict and Development

Application Deadline: September 30, 2016 by 11:59pm CST:

The Center on Conflict and Development (ConDev) Student Media Grant is now open! This photojournalism grant, funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation Chair on Conflict and Development, awards up to $5,000 to students interested in capturing issues facing fragile and conflict-affected areas of the world through stunning photography. Past winners have traveled to and produced photography highlighting issues in Nigeria, Mali, Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Kenya, Haiti, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Peru, and other conflict-affected regions.

ConDev—part of Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Economics—works to improve the effectiveness of development programs and policies for conflict-affected and fragile countries through international research, education and projects. The Center uses science and technology to reduce armed conflict, sustain families and communities during conflict, and assist states to rapidly recover from conflict.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student Media Grant is OPEN TO STUDENTS WORLDWIDE (undergraduate, graduate, PhD, etc.).
• Students graduating in April-May 2017 are also eligible to apply.

Proposal Format

• No more than four (8.5”×11”) pages (not including cover page)
• 12 point, Times New Roman font
• 1″ margins

Students should submit proposals that describe their anticipated travel, subjects, and plans for photostory production, refinement and promotion as specifically as possible.

Proposals must include the following components:

1. Cover Sheet
2. Thematic Focus
3. Statement of Motivation
4. Media Experience
5. Timeline
6. Narrative of Planned Activities (including Plan for Promotion)
7. Budget

More details:

1. Cover Sheet should include:
   • Title of Proposal
   • Applicant Name
   • Applicant Email
   • Major (Example: BS International Studies)
   • University Name
   • Expected Graduation Date
   • References: The names and contact information (telephone numbers and emails) of two faculty or staff at your university who can serve as references. *By submitting a proposal, applicants agree that ConDev has permission to contact these individuals prior to awarding a grant to the applicant.
2. Thematic Focus
   • What theme/issue do you plan to photograph?
   • What do you hope to achieve by highlighting this specific subject or issue?
3. Statement of Motivation (½ to 1 page)
   • Why this issue/country? How will this grant further your personal/professional aspirations?
4. Media Experience (1/2 page maximum)
   • Is this your first time using a camera, or do you have experience taking great photographs? Feel free to include links to past work, or include them as attachments when you submit your proposal

Application Timeline

• August 1, 2016:  APPLICATION OPENS! You can start e-mailing your finished proposals to [email protected]
• September 30, 2016 by 11:59pm CST:  Application deadline
• October 2016:  Review Period – please be patient as we review your incredible proposals!
• November 2016:  Notification Period
• January 2017 (Depending on proposal timeline):  Funding Disbursement (approximate)
• January-December 2017: Grant winners travel and implement their photojournalism projects

Budget
• Applicants are encouraged to be as detailed and accurate as possible regarding estimated expenses.
• Please ensure that your budget does not surpass the $5000 limit.
• Will you need to pay for visas, flights, vaccinations, security, etc.? If so, include it in your budget.
• All budget totals should be in U.S. dollars (USD).
• Please ensure that your budgets are realistic. *ConDev will not disburse additional funds for any reason. Applicants are responsible for arranging all details of their travel completely independently.

Submission Instructions

Proposals should be submitted to [email protected] with “Student Media Grant: [Name of Student]” as the subject line. Only one proposal can be submitted per student.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the ConDev Student Media Photojournalism Grant 2016