The VII Foundation is a transformative brand in the field of visual journalism, dedicated to empowering new voices and creating stories that advocate for change. In a world where beliefs often diverge from facts and realities, the Foundation recognizes the urgent need to reshape visual journalism. Founded by Gary Knight and Ron Haviv, and made possible by the steadfast commitment of Jennifer Stengaard Gross and her family, the VII Foundation strives to innovate and lead in the nonprofit space.

The Foundation's core mission is to revolutionize visual journalism as traditional sources of funding for documentary practices decline. By adopting a non-profit structure, they initiate stories that address systemic issues, impact policy, and cultivate a new generation of visual journalists who are deeply engaged with their communities. Their high-profile projects focus on transforming policy and educating young individuals.

These projects, spanning films, books, and exhibitions, have garnered global recognition, been showcased worldwide, and received acclaim in leading media outlets. The VII Academy, the educational wing of The VII Foundation, plays a crucial role in this mission by providing tuition-free education to emerging journalists. Through their courses, offered in over 80 countries and in nine languages, the Academy aims to democratize the information narrative and equip practitioners in underrepresented communities with the skills to tell their own stories.

With campuses in Arles, France, and Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the Academy offers training in media practice, photojournalism, ethics, and media entrepreneurship. Their mentorship program, the first of its kind, amplifies the voices of the next generation of visual storytellers, while VII Insider provides a platform for public debate and analysis of photography and visual journalism. VII Community, in collaboration with PhotoWings, focuses on continued media education, mentorship, and fostering a sense of camaraderie in the industry.

With the goal of enhancing the careers of over 1,000 VII Academy alumni worldwide, this platform offers networking opportunities, monthly talks by industry leaders, portfolio reviews, mentorships, and educational resources in multiple languages. The VII Foundation's commitment to transforming visual journalism and empowering new voices is evident throughout their comprehensive ecosystem. Their dedication to excellence, education, and advocacy positions them as a trailblazer in the field, inspiring change and shaping the future of visual storytelling