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. .

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:

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.

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

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

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* 3. Contact Details

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* 4. What is your connection to the rare disease community:

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* 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 )

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* 6. Are you affiliated with a patient organization?

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

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

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

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* 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.

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

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