Bologna Scholarship

Bologna Scholarship Criteria:

Each year, a panel of judges will review submissions to this grant online. One winner will each receive a ticket to the Bologna Book Fair, travel fare, and a stipend for accommodations. The winner will have an opportunity to show their portfolios to publishing professionals, display their portfolio at our industry party in Bologna, and attend the prestigious fair.

Congratulations to our 2026 winner, Masoud Gharehbaghi 

Submissions open until September 30, 2025.

Submissions can be found on the MY AWARDS tab in your Member Home. Members must be logged in to scbwi.org to access their Member Home.

The submission should consist of three or four images without text that best showcase your portfolio. Your art style and visual story must be appropriate for one of these two specific audiences/book genres (Choose one):

Full color, intended for a picture book for 4 to 7-year-olds

Black and white, intended for a middle grade book for 8 to 11-year-olds

You must be a current SCBWI member to submit.

The winner will receive:

• Registration for the entire Book Fair from April 13-16, 2026.
• A roundtrip coach/economy airfare stipend or other forms of transportation not to exceed of $1000.
• SCBWI will pay the standard hotel room rate and taxes for four nights. Any other charges to the room or room upgrades are the responsibility of the winner. Average costs per hotels.com $291 per night.
• All other travel and meal costs are the responsibility of the winner.
• Art showcased in the SCBWI Booth at the Fair
• Ability to share your portfolio at the book fair during member appreciation hour. Day and Time TBD
• Invitation to the SCBWI Industry Party 
• Featured in SCBWI Insight and on our social media platforms

Learn more about SCBWI at the Bologna Children's Book Fair