Call for Applications: Feminist Storytelling Grant 2026 for Writers, Filmmakers, and Artists @Unknown

The Feminist Storytelling Grant 2026 is now open for applications, offering a powerful opportunity for individuals committed to using storytelling as a tool for resistance, equality, and transformative social change. This grant is specifically designed to support women and LGBTQI+ persons who are working to reclaim narratives, challenge dominant perspectives, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities through creative expression.

About the Feminist Storytelling Grant

In many societies around the world, the voices and lived experiences of women and gender-diverse individuals are often overlooked, misrepresented, or spoken for by others. The Feminist Storytelling Grant seeks to address this imbalance by creating a platform where these individuals can tell their own stories—authentically and unapologetically.

Through this initiative, selected grantees will be empowered to produce compelling, community-centered stories that reflect real experiences, challenge inequalities, and inspire meaningful dialogue and action.

The program welcomes a wide range of creatives, including filmmakers, writers, photographers, journalists, artists, and new media creators who are passionate about feminist storytelling and social justice.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must demonstrate a strong alignment with feminist principles and a commitment to human rights. Ideal candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Show a firm belief in feminist values and advocacy for equality.
• Demonstrate the ability to creatively capture and present the voices and lived experiences of marginalized communities.
• Be committed to ethical, accountable, and community-centered storytelling practices.

This opportunity is open to individuals across various creative disciplines who are dedicated to producing impactful narratives that contribute to social transformation.

Accepted Storytelling Formats

The grant supports a diverse range of storytelling formats, allowing applicants to choose the medium that best suits their creative vision. Eligible formats include:

• Visual Storytelling: Photography, film, animation
• Graphic & Information Design: Graphic narratives, infographics
• Written Works: Essays, poetry, fiction, and other forms of creative writing
• Audio Storytelling: Podcasts, radio productions
• Performance Art: Theater and dance
• Digital Storytelling: Interactive or digital-first narratives
• Mixed Media: Innovative combinations of multiple formats

This flexibility ensures that storytellers can fully express their ideas using the most effective and engaging medium.

Why You Should Apply

The Feminist Storytelling Grant is more than just financial support—it is a platform for change. It provides storytellers with the resources, mentorship, and community needed to bring powerful narratives to life. If you are passionate about challenging injustice, amplifying unheard voices, and using creativity as a form of resistance, this grant offers the ideal opportunity to turn your vision into impact.

By supporting diverse storytellers and elevating authentic voices, this initiative contributes to a more inclusive and equitable global narrative landscape.

Benefits and Support for Selected Grantees

Recipients of the Feminist Storytelling Grant will gain access to a comprehensive support system designed to nurture both their creative and personal development. The program offers:

1. Mentorship

Grantees will receive professional guidance from experienced mentors who will support them throughout the storytelling process.

2. Psychological Support

Recognizing the emotional demands of storytelling—especially when dealing with sensitive or personal topics—the grant provides access to mental health and wellbeing resources.

3. Skill Development

Participants will have opportunities to enhance their technical and creative abilities through training and capacity-building sessions.

4. Community Building

Grantees will join a network of like-minded creatives, fostering collaboration, peer learning, and collective growth.

5. Exhibition Opportunities

Completed projects will be showcased through various platforms, offering visibility and recognition for the storytellers and their work.

Application Process

To apply for the Feminist Storytelling Grant, applicants must secure an endorsement from a trusted organization. Eligible endorsing bodies include:

• Feminist network partners
• Media collectives
• Women Human Rights Defender (WHRD) groups
• LGBTQI+ community organizations

This endorsement serves as a validation of the applicant’s work, credibility, and commitment to community-centered storytelling.

To Apply please click here

Deadline is 31st March 2026

Grant Timeline and Funding Details

• Project Duration: All projects must be completed between May and October 2026, starting from the date of approval.
• Funding Structure:
  • 50% of the grant will be disbursed upon selection.
  • The remaining 50% will be released after successful project completion.
• Reporting Requirements:
  Grantees are required to submit:
  • Monthly progress updates
  • A final report upon project completion

All reports should be sent to the designated grant contact email provided in the application guidelines.

Discover more grant opportunities here.