Travel Assistance Program

The Travel Assistance Program was created to combine all the Arthritis Foundation’s previous travel award assistance programs into one program. The goal of the Arthritis Foundation Travel Assistance Program is to provide adults with arthritis, and families living with a child with a form of juvenile arthritis, and caregivers the opportunity to attend in-person Arthritis Foundation national meetings without incurring a significant financial burden. This process is designed to create a fair and equitable approach to helping individuals and families experience face-to-face programming and networking opportunities provided at an Arthritis Foundation national meeting. Now, families and individuals may receive a travel assistance award for one national Arthritis Foundation meeting per calendar year. Meetings include the JA Family Summit and Advocacy Summit. 

2023 Advocacy Summit Travel Assistance Application 

The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to offer limited financial assistance to those wishing to attend the 2023 Advocacy Summit who meet certain criteria. 2023 Advocacy Summit Travel Assistance Program applications are open to all adults interested in advocacy opportunities. Travel awards only cover partial expenses. They do not cover the costs of additional meals, transportation to/from an airport, parking fees, airline baggage fees, room upgrades or expenses related to additional guests. 
 
Application is open April 26, 2023, to June 30, 2023. 
   
Please review the following important information regarding the Travel Assistance Program BEFORE completing your application. 
  
2023 Advocacy Summit Travel Assistance Program Application Details 

The Arthritis Foundation has a limited number of travel awards available to individuals who demonstrate a need for financial assistance to attend the Advocacy Summit and meet certain criteria. The Advocacy Summit Travel Assistance Program process is managed out of the Arthritis Foundation’s home office. 

• Priority will be given to first-time attendees, individuals who have not received a travel award in the past and to those who demonstrate a financial need. Individuals who have received a travel award in the past will be scored based on how much they are engaged with the Arthritis Foundation (through advocacy, local initiatives and events). 
• The overall average cost to the Arthritis Foundation for the Advocacy Summit is $900 per attendee. Travel assistance only covers partial expenses, which allows more individuals to attend the Advocacy Summit. The awards do not cover the costs of additional meals, transportation to/from an airport, parking fees, airline baggage fees, room upgrades or expenses related to additional guests. 
• A committee of Arthritis Foundation volunteers will anonymously review applications from across the country. No member of the travel award selection committee may apply for an award, and Arthritis Foundation staff are not eligible to receive travel assistance. 

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE DETAILS 

The following criteria/guidelines have been established for approving travel awards in 2023. 

During the application process, you can select a combination of the types of travel assistance listed below.  
  

Type	Travel Assistance
Option One	Transportation via air, train, bus, driving mileage (up to $500)
Option Two	Accommodation for event nights ($189/night for two nights)
Option Three	Lodging (1 standard room)/2 nights lodging and transportation (up to $900 value)

 

• Applicants will be assigned to the least expensive mode of transportation. If you are unable to utilize the selected mode of transportation, applicants must submit justification to be considered. This allows us to help minimize expenses and offer awards to more people. 
• Priority will be given to first-time attendees, individuals who have not received a travel award in the past and to those who demonstrate a financial need. Individuals who have received a travel award in the past will be scored based on how much they are engaged with the Arthritis Foundation (through advocacy, local initiatives and events). 
• The Arthritis Foundation will pay for the above listed travel award benefits directly to the associated vendors. No money will be distributed directly to travel award recipients (with the exception of mileage reimbursement). 
• Transportation may include coach-class airfare/train fare for one person or mileage reimbursement. Mileage reimbursement follows the current IRS volunteer rate of .52/mile, up to a $250 maximum. Airline/train tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, whichever will be least expensive.
• Travel awards DO NOT cover airline baggage fees, transportation to and from the airport, parking fees, room upgrades, meals or costs associated with additional family members. 
• Travel award recipients will be required to complete an online commitment form stating they will attend all sessions, get involved with the Arthritis Foundation locally and submit a "thank-you" letter to be shared with donors following the event. 
• All information in this application will be kept confidential. 
• All applicants will be notified whether they have received an award or not by June 12, 2023.