• Partial Assistance Only: Please do not request the full anticipated cost of your trip, as this grant is not intended to cover all expenses. It’s designed to help those who face financial barriers attend the Cure FA Soirée.

• Diagnosis Documentation: You must have documentation confirming an FA diagnosis, which may be requested.

• Reimbursement Basis: This grant is provided as a reimbursement after you’ve booked your trip and finalized your plans to attend the Cure FA Soirée. You may be asked to provide receipts.

• Non-attendance Policy: If you are awarded a grant but are ultimately unable to attend the Soirée, you will not receive reimbursement.

• Advance Funding Requests: If you need to receive the grant prior to paying for travel and accommodations, the committee may be able to accommodate this. However, if you receive the grant in advance and later cannot attend, you must return the funds.

Grants are funded at the discretion of the Cure FA Soirée Travel Grant Committee. Applications will be evaluated based on factors such as location, requested amount, travel and lodging plans, and the application write-up.

Application Review: The Committee will contact you to discuss your application or situation and to discuss your travel/lodging plans by March 15th, 2026.

Reimbursement Timing: If approved, your reimbursement will be issued after your arrival in Oklahoma for Soirée weekend, no later than June 20th, 2026.

“Express” Applications - new in 2026: Soirée organizers understand that costs (for tickets and a hotel stay) are increasing. The CFAS Travel Grant Committee has decided to create an "express" version of the application for folks who have attended before and need $250 or less to attend in 2026. Please indicate this is the case when asked on your application and you will be directed through the "express" application.

Early Review Disclaimer: The Committee may approve applications before the application period closes if sufficient information is provided.

Ticket Information for Grant Recipients: Approved grant recipients should purchase tickets to the Cure FA Soirée or email Liz Gehr to inquire about sponsored tickets.

Expected Grant Amount Diversity: The Committee aims to provide grants of different amounts to local, national, and international attendees.

Travel Recommendations for Attendees Outside the South Central US: For those traveling to the Soirée from outside the South Central region, we recommend considering flights into Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and then driving to Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City’s airport has limited nonstop destinations and is often more expensive, while the 3.5-hour drive to and from DFW can save on costs and reduce travel time with fewer connections.

• Name (First and Last)

• Phone Number

• Email Address

• City, State/Region, and Country

• Select the option that applies to you and your request.

  • I've attended the Cure FA Soirée before and my request will be $250 or less.

  • I've never been to the Cure FA Soirée before and/or my request will be for more than $250.

• *What do you hope to gain from attending the Cure FA Soirée? If you've been before, what's one thing you particularly enjoy?

• *Tell your FA story! What have you learned through your journey (or interactions) with FA? Which symptom has affected you most or is the hardest to deal with? Looking to the future, what are you scared of? What are you optimistic about? How do you think about or deal with FA? You don't have to answer all (or even any!) of these questions, just give some insight into your situation/outlook.

• *Share pictures! (optional)

• What amount of money do you need to be able to attend the Cure FA Soirée in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 13th, 2026? (Do not enter your cost. This grant is not intended to cover the full cost of your trip.)

• How do you plan to spend the money you've requested?

• What do you anticipate being the full cost of your trip?

• Have you made your travel and lodging arrangements to attend the Cure FA Soirée? If not, when do you plan to arrange your accommodations? If you've made your hotel/lodging reservation(s), where are you planning to stay?

• When do you plan to get to town and leave town?

• Who plans to come with you (if applicable)? Please indicate those with FA or discuss your connection to the FA Community.

• FARA (the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance) will host a Research Reception on Saturday morning (details and signup TBD). Do you plan to attend? (Yes or No)

*Questions with an asterisk do not appear on the "express" application.