Grants & Scholarships
Investing in the Future of Visual Science Communication
image credit: Michael Rothman (member since 1987)
image credit: Barbara Lerulli
At GNSI, we believe access to education and professional development should never be a barrier for aspiring or practicing visual science communicators. Our grants and scholarships support students, professionals, and chapters in pursuing opportunities that grow skills, share knowledge, and expand access to the field.
Explore the current funding opportunities below and if you’d like to contribute or help us build future opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Funding Opportunities
Empowering the next generation of scientific illustrators through mentorship and community.
Funding workshops, exhibits, and events that share the power of visual science illustration.
image credit: Kathryn Killackey (member since 2011)
Donald B. Sayner Student Scholarship
Eligibility: College students studying both science and art
Deadline: September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM EDT
Notification: November 1, 2025
Award: One-year GNSI membership
Award Use: Supports emerging science illustrators through mentorship and community
This scholarship honors Donald B. Sayner, a passionate scientific illustration educator at the University of Arizona who inspired thousands of students over 35 years. Sales of his book, Drawing for Scientific Illustrations: Technique and Rendering, directly support this fund.
Accessibility Grant Fund
Eligibility: Open to all interested in visual science communication
Deadline: Opens with Visual SciComm Conference registration
Notifications: Rolling basis
Award Use: Financial assistance to attend GNSI’s online Visual SciComm conference
Since 2020, the Accessibility Grant Fund has provided 23 grants to help ease financial barriers for attending GNSI’s Visual SciComm conferences. These grants open doors for new members and ensure our events remain inclusive and welcoming to all. Donations to this fund are tax-deductible and directly support accessibility in our community.
image credit: B. Strauch
image credit: Victoria Fuller (member since 1996)
Education Fund Grants
Eligibility:
Active GNSI members
Deadline:
April 1 and October 1 each year
Notifications: ~1 month after deadline
Award Range:
$200–$1,500
Award Use: Supports member- or chapter-led educational events such as workshops, exhibitions, or public programs
The Education Fund, raised through the Annual Conference Auction, empowers members and chapters to host workshops, exhibitions, and events that advance public understanding of visual science communication. Grants are awarded twice yearly and may be funded in part or in full based on merit.
For more information, download the GNSI Education Fund Guidelines and Application Form, or contact the GNSI Education Director with any questions.
Send applications to the GNSI Education Director.
Support Future Opportunities
Help us expand educational and accessible opportunities for visual science communicators. If you’re interested in starting a new scholarship or grant opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
"Receiving the grant allowed me to interact with scientific illustration professionals that I would not have otherwise met - and better decide if this was a career path I wanted to pursue"
- Desirée Denman, 2021 Grant Recipient
image credit: B. Strauch