Fund Your Vision: 6-Week Grant Mastermind

You're sitting on top of USD500K in available funding. Most photographers never access it. Let’s change that

The difference between funded and unfunded photographers is not talent.

It's knowing how to play the grant game.

Every year, thousands of photography grants go unawarded because photographers don't know how to apply strategically.

Meanwhile, the same photographers keep winning funding year after year.

What do they know that you don't?

They understand grant writing as creative storytelling. They know how to present themselves powerfully. They think bigger about money and their own worth.

That's exactly what 6-Week Grant Mastermind teaches you. <3 Want to learn how? let’s go.

Ok, first, you create meaningful work, but...

  • Grant applications feel overwhelming and impossible to navigate

  • You don't know when applications are due or how to plan strategically

  • Your project proposals sound weak or desperate instead of confident and compelling

  • You think small about budgets because you don't understand your own worth

  • You don't know how to adapt your existing work to match grant requirements

  • The whole process feels foreign and intimidating

    Does any of this ring the bell?

The reality is that grant writing isn't about begging for money. But rather about being your own Chief Creative Storyteller—it’s owning your story and your sense of value.

Second, grants change everything about how you work as a photographer.

When you have funding, you can:

✨ Work at the pace of presence - No rushing, no compromise, deep connection with your subjects

✨ Choose projects that matter - Not just what pays the bills, but what feeds your soul

✨ Take creative risks - Experiment, explore, push boundaries without financial pressure

✨ Build lasting relationships - Time to truly connect with the communities you photograph

✨ Elevate your practice - Access to resources, mentorship, and professional development

✨ Gain institutional support - Credibility, visibility, and career advancement

This is the slow, intentional approach to photography that creates meaningful work.

And it's only possible when you have the financial foundation that grants provide.

THIRD, INTRODUCING:

FUND YOUR VISION: MY SIGNATURE 6-WEEK GRANT MASTERMIND

We're going to reinvent grant applications.

Completely.

No more last-minute applications. No more desperation. No more playing small.

Grant writing reimagined from the ground up.

6 weeks to master the art and strategy of funding, basically the way it should have been taught from the beginning.

Grant writing is where you step into your full creative power and claim the resources your vision deserves. You'll rewrite the story you tell yourself about your work, your value, and what's possible for your creative life.

Here, we will dismantle the beliefs that keep you small and call you into the creative authority you've always known you could become. You become your own Chief Creative Storyteller - learning to articulate the value of your artistic vision with power, authenticity, and strategy.

Once this is embodied, grant writing becomes the mirror where you face what's been looping inside around money and worthiness, so you can finally claim the funding your work deserves.

Because the most powerful grant applications don't just ask for funding.

They make institutions realize they need to fund YOU.

That’s how profound this work is.

GRANT MASTERMIND EXPLAINED

WHAT YOU'LL MASTER IN 6 WEEKS

Week 1: Strategic Grant Landscape Mapping

  • Decode the grant ecosystem and identify your opportunities

  • Learn when applications are due and create your yearly application strategy

  • Understand different types of funding and what they're really looking for

Week 2: Creative Storytelling Mastery

  • Become your own Chief Creative Storyteller

  • Learn how to read grant applications and adapt your projects strategically

  • Master the art of authentic, powerful self-presentation (no desperation, pure confidence)

Week 3: Visual Excellence & Project Presentation

  • Elevate your work visually: narrative, color, tension, emotion

  • Learn how to edit, sequence, and organize ideas that make juries choose YOU

  • Transform your existing work into grant-worthy projects

Week 4: Money Mindset & Budget Mastery

  • Confront limiting beliefs about money and your own worth

  • Learn to think BIG instead of making yourself small

  • Create realistic, strategic budgets that get approved

Week 5: Application Strategy & Execution

  • Write compelling artist statements and project proposals

  • Navigate application requirements with confidence

  • Develop your personal grant application system

Week 6: Launch Your Grant Campaign

  • Submit your first strategic applications

  • Build sustainable systems for ongoing grant success

  • Join the exclusive Grant Winners Community for ongoing support

WHO THIS IS FOR

Mid-career photographers (2-15 years professional experience) who:

  • Create meaningful work but struggle with the business side of art

  • Want financial freedom to choose projects that matter

  • Are tired of financial pressure dictating their creative choices

  • Ready to think bigger about their worth and potential

  • Want to work at the pace of presence instead of hustle culture

  • Understand that grants are career game-changers

  • Are committed to putting in strategic work for long-term success

Not for you if: You're looking for quick money, want someone else to write your applications, or aren't ready to examine your relationship with money and self-worth.

What participants are saying…

  • "This mentorship program helped me pick up a photography project that I had put on pause. It allowed me to understand my relationship with it, focus on what's essential, and approach it from a more structured and conscious place. I felt a genuine impulse to create meaningfully again."

    Pedro Vázquez G, photographer, Mexico

  • "My creative session with Lola has me feeling so incredibly empowered and clear as to how to tackle my work and harness my voice. I am enormously grateful for her knowledge, patience and direction."

    Heather Love, US

  • "Our sessions were not only valuable in how they pushed forward a photobook and exhibition but also we worked through a clarity call in my career path looking at all my needs creatively, professionally and personally to craft a way forward beyond our sessions."

    Michelle Siu, photographer and DoP, Canada and UK

  • "For those seeking to enhance their artistic potential and showcase their work, Lola Beltran Villamizar is the perfect guide. My experience with her has driven significant positive changes in my projects and mindset. She clarifies artistic values and goals, helping me express the deeper essence of my work."

    Enayat Asadi, World Press Photo winner 2019

  • "Lola's deep intuitive curiosity inspires profound openness and vulnerability. She creates a beautiful atmosphere rooted in self-care and has an extraordinary ability to distill chaotic artistic ideas into clear, stunning works of beauty. I'm incredibly grateful for her availability, honesty, and openness."

    Michelle Siu, photographer and DoP, Canada and UK

  • " the support and accountability has encouraged me to produce new work I feel very proud of + dive into my archive, all of which has reconnected me to my voice as an artist and the source of my passion and purpose."

    Olivia Pierce, Photographer and Creative Director, LA

  • "My experience with her has driven significant positive changes in my projects and mindset. She clarifies artistic values and goals, helping me express the deeper essence of my work. "

    Enayat Asadi, World Press Photo winner 2019

  • "Thanks to Lola and Native, so many doors have opened for my work as a photojournalist. I started working for major international newspapers, received awards and grants — which is no easy path, especially for us Latin American photographers. I’ll always be deeply grateful for that."

    Gabriela Portilho, photographer, Brazil.

  • "“Talking about us as female Latin American photographers and the challenges we face in the industry was an incredible experience.”

    Joana Toro, photographer, Colombia, US

  • "“The workshop was a great learning space where many stories, with different visions, were shared and came to life. It was my first portfolio review and I felt it was a truly enriching experience, also because I chose a body of work that allowed me to learn how to better build a story visually and I feel that I understood it better.”

    Daniela Olave, photographer, Colombia

  • "Working with Lola has helped me to develop more creativity and given me a framework for how to deliver creativity into everything I do. I'm grateful for her wisdom and guidance and believe she has tons to offer anyone looking to unlock more of the creative force in their life."

    Josh Dzielak, Co-founder and CTO of Orbit

  • "Lola transcends conventional limits, enabling meaningful creation that resonates with both personal and global significance. She uncovers hidden values within, translating them into impactful artistic forms. The art world requires visionaries who grasp deeper meanings, and Lola possesses this skill, providing ongoing support in your artistic journey."

    Enayat Asadi, World Press Photo winner 2019

"Lola Beltran Villamizar grant writing mentor for photographers"

My philosophy and 360 approach to grants

I'm Lola, and I've spent 12+ years in the photography industry as Creative Director for ATMOS Magazine, Visual Director for National Public Radio, and contributor to VOGUE and British Journal of Photography.

I've seen both sides of the grants process - as an applicant who's secured funding and as a reviewer who's evaluated hundreds of applications.

I know what makes applications succeed and what makes them fail. More importantly, I understand the mindset shift that distinguishes funded from unfunded photographers. I’ve also had to do the inner work to re-establish a relationship with money, values, and storytelling.

My students have secured thousands of USD in grant funding using these exact strategies.

Proven Track Record:

After many setbacks, I felt lost and ready to quit photography. Lola’s guidance over months gave me space to be vulnerable and work through my fears and blocks. Her support helped me create proud new work and reconnect with my artistic voice. Now, when asked how I am, I share how life-changing working with Lola has been. She truly sees and understands me, offering deep, real guidance. I’m deeply grateful. <3333

— Olivia Pierce, Photographer and Creative Director

Investment & logistics

Format: 6 Weekly Sessions

  • Every Thursday, November 6 to December 11 - 6:00-7:30 PM CET / 12:00-1:30 PM EST

  • Maximum 12 photographers for profound intimacy, presence and attention

  • Recorded sessions if you miss one

What's Included:

✨ 6 Intensive Weekly Sessions (90 minutes each, €900 value)
✨ The Ultimate Grant Mastery Toolkit (€300 value)

  • The €100K+ Grant Database with 200+ photography opportunities

  • Grant application templates that have secured funding

  • Budget calculation worksheets and pricing strategies

  • Artist statement frameworks for compelling storytelling

  • Grant application templates and funding database

    ✨ Money Mindset Transformation Package (€150 value)

  • "Thinking BIG: Budget Mastery for Photographers" workbook

  • Limiting beliefs audit and breakthrough exercises

  • Abundance mindset training specifically for creatives
    ✨ WhatsApp community support throughout and beyond
    ✨ Lifetime access to all session recordings

Guarantee

If you complete all 6 sessions and don't feel significantly more confident about grant applications and your own worth as an artist, I'll refund your investment, no questions asked.

That's how confident I am in my work and commitment to you. <3 I’ve got you.

Standard Mastermind

€999 Complete 6-week transformation

  • Everything listed above

  • Group cohort experience (max 12 photographers)

  • Community support and accountability

  • Deadline to apply November 1st.

  • Program starts: Thursday Nov. 6

Back-to-school special

€749 Early bird offer Until Septembr 26th

  • Complete 6-week program

  • Same curriculum and community

  • Program starts: Thursday Nov. 6

VIP Mastermind + 1:1 Intensive

€1,500 Personalized application support

  • Everything in Standard Sprint

  • TWO private 90-minute sessions (€500 value)

  • Methodical review of your work and portfolio (€250 value)

  • Write up to FOUR grant applications together

  • Personal strategy for your specific goals (€250 value)

Full scholarship

FREE For ONE BIPOC photographer or those with financial barriers

  • Complete 6-week program access

  • All materials and community included

  • Application required - please read below.

Payment plans available for all options

Offering

Back-to-school special! For a limited time, get the complete Grant Writing Mastermind for a 25% discount! This promotion ends on September 26 at midnight CET. Complete 6-week program, same curriculum and community for less.

Grant Mastermind - Back to School Special: €999 - €749 — 25% off

Grant Mastermind - Standard: €999

Complete 6-week transformation Grant Writing Mastermind. Group cohort experience (max 12 photographers) Community support and accountability.

Deadline to apply November 1st.
Program starts: Thursday Nov. 6

Grant Mastermind - VIP 1:1 Intensive: €1500

Personalized application support. Everything in Standard. TWO private 90-minute sessions (€500 value). Methodical review of your work and portfolio (€250 value). Write up to FOUR grant applications together. Personal strategy for your specific goals (€250 value).

Apply for a FULL scholarship and get the mentorship for FREE. No questions asked.

**we’re giving special options to those BIPOC photographers who cannot afford it.

FAQs

What is the exact duration and schedule of the program?

This program runs for six transformative weeks, with sessions held once a week on Thursdays at 12:00PM EST (18:00 CET). This schedule is designed to provide a balance of structure and flexibility, allowing you to integrate the program into your existing routine.

Where do the sessions take place? Are they online, in-person, or a hybrid?

To foster a global community and cater to diverse needs, this program is delivered entirely online via Google Meet. This means you can join from anywhere in the world, connecting with fellow photographers and accessing the content from the comfort of your own space.

What is the size of the cohort? How many participants will be there?

We intentionally keep the cohort size small and intimate, typically between 8 and 12 participants. This ensures personalized attention from me, fosters deep connections within the group, and creates a safe space for sharing and growth.

How realistic is it to actually secure funding after this mastermind?

Grant success requires both strategy and persistence. My students have secured over €500K in funding using these methods, but results depend on your commitment to applying consistently and professionally. Realistically, expect to submit 8-12 applications over 12-18 months to see funding success. This mastermind gives you the tools, templates, and mindset to be competitive - but grants remain selective. What's guaranteed is that you'll understand exactly how to position yourself powerfully and apply strategically, dramatically increasing your chances compared to random, desperate applications.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a full refund if requested within 48 hours of purchase, before the program begins. Once the mastermind starts, we do not offer refunds - this policy protects the intimate group dynamic and ensures everyone is fully committed to the process. However, if you complete all 6 sessions, actively participate in the community, and don't feel significantly more confident about grant applications, you will get your full refund.

Are there any payment plans available?

Yes, we understand that everyone's financial situation is different, so we offer flexible payment plans on a one-by-one basis. Please email us with your specific case and we’ll look into it.

I've never applied for grants before. Is this mastermind suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely! This mastermind is designed for mid-career photographers (2-15 years experience) who are new to grant writing but ready to think strategically about funding. We start with the fundamentals - understanding the grant landscape, reading applications, and building your mindset around money and worthiness. You don't need prior grant experience, but you do need professional photography experience and a commitment to doing the inner and outer work required for successful applications.

How much time will I need to dedicate each week beyond the 90-minute sessions?

Plan for 2-3 additional hours per week for maximum benefit. This includes reviewing grant opportunities, working on application materials, completing mindset exercises, and engaging with the community. The beauty of this mastermind is that you're building real applications and systems you'll use immediately - so the "homework" is actually advancing your funding goals. We provide templates and frameworks to make your time as efficient as possible.

What if I can't attend a live session? Will I fall behind?

All sessions are recorded and available within 24 hours, plus we provide detailed session summaries. However, the live mastermind experience - peer feedback, real-time coaching, and community connection - is where the magic happens. If you anticipate missing more than one session, we recommend joining a future cohort when you can fully participate. The community support and accountability are crucial elements of your success.

How does the WhatsApp community support work in practice?

The WhatsApp community serves as a vibrant hub for connection, encouragement, and quick questions. You can share your work, seek feedback, participate in challenges, and stay inspired throughout the program and beyond.