Rare disease patients need supporters in their corner. Global Genes envisions “a globally connected community equipped to eliminate the challenges of rare disease” – and the nonprofit is offering a new round of grants to help patient advocacy groups achieve their goals.
Are you a member of a patient organization who wants to connect with underserved members, boost the mental health of your community or bring advocates together for a meet-up?
Here are some of this year’s grant opportunities:
RARE Mental Health Impact Grant – applications open January 9 – February 10
Awardees will learn how to create a support network as well as develop educational tools, programming and materials that address mental health challenges and support the patient community’s emotional well-being.
RARE Health Equity Impact Grant – applications open from March 6 – April 7
Participants selected will be invited to attend workshops to learn how to meet the needs of underserved communities. Outcomes could be culturally sensitive communications, increased outreach and strategies for implementing diversity, equity and inclusion best practices.
RARE Meet-Up Impact Grant - applications open from April 12 – May 12
This grant supports much-needed in-person collaboration for rare disease patients, caregivers and advocates at the local level. Focus areas for meetups may include: caregiver/patient support for tackling topics like to tackle topics like ultra-rare diseases, the diagnostic odyssey, navigating the health care system, coping with COVID-19 impacts, scientific/research updates, expanding outreach and improving fundraising.
To be eligible for grants, patient organizations should first register to be part of Global Genes’ Global Advocacy Alliance. In addition to grants, membership in the alliance offers organizations mentorship opportunities and access to a network of advocates.
