The Eamonn McCabe Bursary

About the Open Call

In recognition of the significant legacy and widely-held respect across photography for Eamonn McCabe, The Royal Photographic Society (RPS), in partnership with Eamonn McCabe's family and The Guardian, has launched the Eamonn McCabe bursary. This new International bursary, launched in 2024, commemorates the life of photojournalist Eamonn McCabe (1948-2022), who was renowned for his sports and wider editorial work for The Observer and The Guardian, and for supporting a generation of photographers. He also raised awareness of photography’s history and significance to a wider public. This bursary seeks to continue that legacy, supported by Eamonn McCabe’s family and The Guardian newspaper. The bursary will provide £3000 to a photographer aged 30 years or under to deliver a photography project responding to the theme of ‘sporting endeavour’. This theme can be interpreted widely, but the general approach should be suitable for publication, and the project should normally be new, not previously exhibited or published. Applications are encouraged for projects covering grassroots and community activities, potentially addressing issues such as mental health or supporting displaced communities, alongside creative interpretations of the theme. The completed project will be published by The Guardian and the RPS, and the successful applicant will be supported in bringing their project to a wider audience. Each recipient will also have the opportunity to have their portfolio printed by Metro Imaging.

What is Offered

The bursary provides £3000. The completed photography project will be published by The Guardian and The Royal Photographic Society, with support for bringing the project to a wider audience. The recipient will also have the opportunity to have their portfolio printed by Metro Imaging.

Requirements

Applicants must be aged 30 years or under on the closing date (4 August 2025). The project must be a photography project responding to the theme of ‘sporting endeavour’. The project should normally be new, not previously exhibited or published. Applicants must be able to complete the project within one year of it being awarded. Interviews will take place via Zoom in September. Applicants need to use or create an RPS Account to access the application portal.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the application portal by the closing date of 4 August 2025. Use your existing RPS Account credentials to log in or create a new account to get started or access an existing application.