Rare Disease 2026 Conference Travel Scholarship Application Survey

CORD Patient Travel Scholarships

CORD is pleased to offer a limited number of travel scholarships to help offset travel costs for patients, caregivers, or representatives of rare disease organizations. Priority will be given to first-time applicants and CORD members to ensure broader access to this opportunity. Scholarship amounts will be adjusted based on proximity to the event location.

Please note that the scholarship deadline has passed and scholarships have already been granted. However, if you are local or only need support for registration fees or smaller travel expenses, you can still apply for those.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee based on eligibility, financial need, and the potential impact of conference attendance on advocacy and community involvement.

The application deadline is: March 25, 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to individuals living with a rare disease, family members, or representatives of rare disease patient organizations.
Applicants must reside in Canada and be at least 18 years old.
Applicants must commit to attending the entire duration of the conference.
Only one (1) representative per organization will be awarded a scholarship. If multiple representatives apply, the organization must determine how the funding will be allocated.

What the Scholarship Covers:

Economy travel (flight, train, mileage)
Hotel (shared accommodation may be required)
Meals are provided during the conference

What the Scholarship Does Not Cover:

Meals not provided during the conference
Incidentals

Registration fee: All participants must register and pay the conference registration fee. If the fee presents a financial barrier, CORD will assess requests on a case-by-case basis based on individual need.

Commitment

Scholarship recipients should be willing to contribute to the rare disease community through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and participate in discussions at local, regional, or national levels.

1.If selected to attend the Rare Disease Day 2026 Conference (Hyatt Regency Toronto)(Required.)

I agree to attend the full 2-day activities (Apr 29 - 30, 2026)

I agree to be included in CORD’s list of potential volunteers to act as a rare disease patient/caregiver representative.

I confirm that I reside in Canada and am at least 18 years old

2.How will attending this conference benefit you, and why do you want to attend?(Required.)

3.Contact Details(Required.)

Name

Address

City/Town

Province

Postal Code

Email Address

Phone Number

4.What is your connection to the rare disease community:(Required.)

Patient

Caregiver

Other (please specify)

5.Are you a current member of CORD? (For information on how to become a member, visit: https://www.raredisorders.ca/membership/become-a-member )

Yes

6.Are you affiliated with a patient organization?
(Required.)

If yes, please provide the organization’s name and describe your role.

If no, please specify the rare disease you have or represent.

7.Is anyone else from your patient group applying for a travel scholarship?

Yes

If yes, please let us know your organization's contact, as we allow the organization to determine how the funding will be allocated if multiple representatives apply.

8.Please specify the scholarships you are applying for? (Select all that apply)(Required.)

Accommodations

Travel

Registration fees

9.You must provide an estimated dollar amount cost breakdown for the scholarships you are applying for:(Required.)

10.We aim to host inclusive, accessible events. Please describe any accessibility needs (mobility, acoustics, visibility, service animals, etc.). While we strive to accommodate all needs, we cannot guarantee every request can be fulfilled.

11.Is there anything else that you’d like us to know?