The New Orleans Photo Alliance–the 400-strong, artist-run non-profit organization known for coordinating annual photography festival PhotoNOLA–is currently accepting applications for the 2015 Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) grant.

Photo by Brandon Thibodeaux, 2014 MPS Fund Grant Recipient

The application period will be open through March 30th.

Named for one of the city’s most accomplished photographers, the fund annually awards a $5,000 grant to a Gulf Coast photographer who has demonstrated deep commitment to a cultural documentary project, as well as artistic excellence.

Eligibility is restricted to residents of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, but documentary subject matter need not pertain to Gulf Coast. Established and emerging photographers alike are welcome to apply.

Since its founding in 2008, the MPS Fund has supported the works of several documentary photographers, including Jonathan Traviesa from New Orleans, Scott Dalton of Houston, Kael Alford from Dallas, Andrew Kaufman of Miami, and Brandon Thibodeaux from Dallas.

This year’s juror will be Emma Reynes, Director of Programs at the Magnum Foundation and faculty member at New York City’s International Center on Photography.

For submission guidelines and to download an application form, visit the Michael P. Smith Fund’s website here.