Everything you need to know about applying for a Socialmark Giving grant.
Socialmark is a privately owned company that operates online competitions such as America's Favorite Photos, Photographers' Choice, and others. That's our business, and it's how we make our money.
We built Socialmark Giving because we believe everyday people doing good things deserve recognition and support. There's no hidden agenda - we just think the world could use more of that, and we're in a position to help. We fund our grants ourselves because it's something we care about.
There isn't one. Applying is completely free, and you'll never be asked to pay anything, not ever. All we ask is that you share your story with us and, if you're selected, allow us to share that story publicly so it can inspire others.
Socialmark Giving is funded entirely by Socialmark and by our competition platforms. The money comes directly from us. You don't need to participate in any of our competitions to apply for a grant - the two are completely separate.
Grant amounts vary by program. You can see the current award amount on each grant's page.
Generally, you're free to use grant funds however best supports the work you described in your application. We trust our recipients. If a specific program has any restrictions on use, those will be noted in the grant details.
There is no fixed number or schedule, but we aim to award at least 10 to 20 grants per month. We review applications on an ongoing basis and award grants as we find the right people.
The Socialmark team reviews every application. We look at the full picture - your story, your photos, your impact, and how well your work aligns with the spirit of the grant program. We make the final call based on authenticity, impact, purpose, and the quality of your application. For more on what we look for, see the Grant Guidelines.
Yes! You can submit one application per grant program. If multiple programs speak to you, go for it.
Applicants must be at least 13 years old. If you're between 13 and 17, you can absolutely apply - you'll just need a parent or legal guardian involved. If selected, the grant is issued to your parent or guardian, and they'll handle any required paperwork. Applications from minors are not displayed publicly on the site.
No. Your private information is kept strictly confidential and is used only for grant administration. We never sell, share, or give away your personal data. If your application is accepted, only the public parts of your profile are displayed on the site. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.
Review times vary depending on the volume of applications. We don't have a fixed timeline, but we do our best to review applications as they come in. You can check the status of your application anytime from your account dashboard.
Yes. You can continue editing your application after submitting it, right up until it's been reviewed and accepted. Once your application has been accepted, it can no longer be edited. If you need to make a change after that point, contact us and we'll do our best to help.
We'll reach out to you directly. Before receiving your grant award, we may ask you to sign a simple agreement that just covers the basics like how we may share your story and standard tax-related details (such as an IRS tax form W-9).
We may also feature your story on our site and social channels - that's part of how we spread the word and inspire more people to do good.
No. Socialmark Giving grants are not prizes, sweepstakes winnings, or lottery awards. There's no element of chance involved. Grants are awarded based on our review of each application.
Still have questions? Reach out at [email protected] - we're happy to help.