The Paul Lowe Fund

Dr. Paul Lowe was a passionate educator who understood that visual storytelling has the power to foster understanding, promote accountability, and inspire change. The Paul Lowe Fund honors his extraordinary legacy as a mentor and teacher, continuing the transformative work he championed through The VII Foundation, the London College of Communication, and King's College London.

Throughout his career, Paul dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of visual storytellers, sharing his expertise with remarkable generosity and purpose. Driven by an unwavering commitment to empowering others, he believed deeply in helping emerging journalists discover and tell the stories that matter most.

Advancing Paul's Mission Through Two Initiatives

1. Expanding Global Education Programs

The Paul Lowe Fund will expand The VII Foundation's education programs, which are focused on visual journalists from underrepresented communities and underserved regions worldwide. This expansion will enable us to:

• Increase access to tuition-free educational programs across the globe
• Cover essential costs including travel, accommodation, and living expenses for participants in advanced programs
• Ensure training opportunities remain truly accessible to those who need them most

These programs empower young journalists to tell the authentic stories of their communities, strengthening local perspectives within global media and fostering more inclusive public discourse.

The impact is already profound: Since 2019, 1,530 students from over 100 countries have participated in The VII Foundation's educational programs. These emerging storytellers are covering the most critical global issues of our time—from civil wars in Myanmar and eastern Congo, to climate change in the Pacific, violence in Kashmir, the war in Ukraine, and migration across Europe and the Americas.

Success stories continue to emerge: Many alumni now work with leading international newsrooms, NGOs, and independent media platforms. Their powerful stories appear regularly in prestigious outlets including the BBC, CNN, Der Spiegel, El País, Le Monde, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Recognition has followed excellence—alumni have received the Leica Oscar Barnack Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and World Press Photo Awards. In 2025 alone, six VII Community alumni were honored in the World Press Photo Contest, competing against more than 59,000 entries from photographers in 141 countries.

2. Supporting Visual Journalists With Mental Health Resources

The second initiative addresses a critical and often overlooked need: support for visual journalists affected by trauma and PTSD. This program will provide:

• Peer support networks and trauma-informed training tailored specifically for visual journalists
• Public forums bringing together mental health experts and journalism professionals
• Collaborative research initiatives led by field experts
• Trusted digital platforms offering essential tools and resources
• Powerful publications showcasing personal stories and presenting critical research findings

Your Impact: Carrying Forward a Legacy of Excellence

By supporting The Paul Lowe Fund, you become part of a mission that extends far beyond individual donations. Your contribution will:

• Honor Paul Lowe's transformative legacy while expanding educational opportunities globally
• Amplify underrepresented voices that desperately need platforms and support
• Train and nurture the next generation of visual storytellers who will shape how the world sees itself
• Provide critical mental health resources to journalists working in the most challenging conditions

Transparency and Accountability

The Paul Lowe Fund operates under the governance of The VII Foundation's experienced board and leadership team, working in close consultation with Amra Abadzic Lowe. We are committed to complete transparency—the foundation will publish regular updates detailing exactly how your contribution is being used and the measurable impact it creates in Paul's honor.

Join us in continuing Paul Lowe's vital work. Together, we can ensure that powerful stories continue to be told, that underrepresented voices are heard, and that the next generation of visual journalists receives both the training and support they deserve.