Researcher Connection Program Grant

Researcher Connection Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Uplifting Athletes Inc
Amount: Up to US $1,450
Last Updated: April 09, 2025

Summary

The Researcher Connection Program by Uplifting Athletes Inc. supports travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students, fostering connections within the rare disease community. It emphasizes health equity by reserving at least 20% of funding for underrepresented researchers. Qualified applicants can receive up to $1,450 for travel costs related to attending relevant conferences and events, enhancing collaboration and awareness in the rare disease field.

Overview

Note:  Deadline is rolling until funds are exceeded. Uplifting Athletes Our Story Uplifting Athletes was started by Penn State University football player Scott Shirley in 2003, with the intention of shining a light on the challenges rare disease families like his own face on a day-to-day basis. The Penn State football team rallied around their teammate and leveraged one of their summer strength and conditioning workouts into a fundraising competition called Lift For Life. By opening the event up to fans and the media, they realized that the benefits of this new organization were far greater than they had imagined. Since day one Uplifting Athletes has focused on using the platform of college athletics raise the awareness of rare diseases while providing student-athletes with a valuable leadership experience as well. Mission Harness the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases. Vision No person impacted by a rare disease feels alone and everyone is inspired with hope for the future. Core Values Integrity. Collaboration. Empathy. Passion. Researcher Connection Program The Researcher Connection Program is intended to assist with travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students with an interest in the rare disease field. It is our hope that this program provides opportunities for these individuals to be able to connect in person with the rare disease community, to foster collaboration, and communication. Our Commitment to Health Equity Uplifting Athletes is committed to providing equitable opportunities for underrepresented researchers. We will ensure that at least 20% of the Researcher Connection Program will be reserved for researchers from an underrepresented background. Uplifting Athletes uses the NIH definition to define who is considered an underrepresented researcher. What Is Covered By This Program? This program provides reimbursement of funds for qualified applicants to attend patient advocacy organization sponsored events. For example, applicants may attend a family conference, scientific meeting, or symposium hosted by a patient advocacy organization. This program does not cover the cost for patients to visit with specialists or doctors appointments. How Much And What Does Each Travel Reimbursement Cover? Each travel reimbursement will cover up to $1,450 in travel expenses including, but not limited to, airfare, hotel stays, meals, and conference passes. To determine meal expenses covered by Uplifting Athletes, please reference the per diem rates for the city in which you are visiting to determine the breakfast, lunch, dinner, or daily total amount. Uplifting Athletes will cover up to the dollar amount given by GSA.gov for a single meal or daily total. Visit here to learn more.

Eligibility

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