NSGC promotes research, continuing education and professional development to genetic counselors through various sponsored fellowships and grant awards.
Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award (AHSPA)
The Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award (AHSPA) is an annual $10,000 grant that funds a project that focus on the future of the genetic counseling profession and/or the provision of genetic services.
Visit the AHSPA page for more information
Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship (JEMF)
The Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship (JEMF), established in 1991 as a highly prestigious award of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, is an ongoing tribute to Jane Engelberg in the form of a $90,000 annual grant that funds scholarly investigation, promotes professional development and improves the practice of genetic counseling.
Visit the JEMF award page for more information
Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award
The Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award provides an annual award to one or more current and prospective genetic counseling graduate students. The mission of the Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award is to increase access to the genetic counseling profession for traditionally underrepresented or minority populations through financial support.
Visit the Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award page for more information
Natalie Weissberger Paul National Achievement Award
The Natalie Weissberger Paul National Achievement Award is the most distinguished honor within the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). This award, bestowed annually, honors one outstanding member who has served NSGC with exemplary national achievements and volunteer activities on behalf of NSGC and the profession.
Visit the Natalie Weissberger Paul National Achievement Award page for more information
NSGC Leadership Awards
The NSGC Leadership Awards are presented annually during the NSGC Annual Conference to acknowledge the actions and behaviors of exemplary genetic counselors, as well as recognizing volunteers for their contributions.
Visit the NSGC Leadership Awards page for more information
Research Initiative
The Research Initiative is a $30,000 NSGC Research Grant meant to foster research that advances the genetic counseling profession. The Research Initiative topic is set by NSGC each year.
Special Interest Group (SIG) Research Grants
The SIG Grant process awards grants of $250-$2500 to NSGC members and students and occurs in two annual cycles.
Visit the SIG Research Grant Funding page for more information
State Licensure Grant Awards
The State Licensure Grant Awards provide grant money to support efforts by genetic counselors to establish state-by-state licensure for our profession.
Visit the State Licensure Grant Awards page for more infomation
Student Research Scholarship
The NSGC Awards Committee is excited to award a $200 scholarship to three genetic counseling students who are conducting thesis research related to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion or cultural humility issues in the genetic counseling profession.
Full/New Genetic Counselor Membership Scholarship
The NSGC Awards Committee will award up to 10 individuals with a scholarship to join NSGC in 2026 as a Full Member or New Genetic Counselor Member.
