Funding Tips for HA CONNECT: Grants, Aid and Savings
The National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT, is our biennial gathering that provides people living with hydrocephalus, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals an opportunity to learn from experts, hear about the latest research, and connect with others who share similar experiences. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the strength of our community and continue to advance understanding and support for those affected by hydrocephalus.
We understand that attending a conference can be financially challenging. To help, we’ve developed this funding guide to assist you in identifying potential sources of financial assistance and practical strategies to reduce costs. Explore the resources below to help you join us and make connections that matter!
Practical Strategies for Individual and Family Participation
- Room Sharing: Room-sharing is a great way to reduce expenses. Reach out to community members to see if anyone is interested in sharing a hotel room.NOTE: HA does not manage or take responsibility for room-sharing arrangements.
- Consider Individual Participation: If the cost of attendance for the entire family is prohibitive, consider having one parent or caregiver attend. This participant can then share the experience and insights with the family, with the hope of enabling more members to attend future conferences.
- Book Travel Early: Airfare rates are often lower when booked well in advance. Use price comparison tools like Google Flights, Hopper, Expedia, or Kayak to find the best deals. Booking the hotel early guarantees you’ll receive the conference room rate. For more information on the conference hotel click here.
- Apply for an HA CONNECT conference financial aid package: We are pleased to offer financial aid packages to individuals who wish to attend HA CONNECT, but cannot afford partial or full cost of attendance. Applications for financial aid will open in January 2026. Visit our conference financial aid page on our website for more information.
Funding Opportunities
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Did you know FSA funds can be used for conference registration and transportation costs related to medical conditions? If you or your family member has an FSA, this is a great way to offset some costs. For more information, visit the IRS website.
Grants from Local Clubs and Associations
Many local civic and charitable organizations are willing to support families and individuals attending educational events like HA CONNECT. Consider contacting:
- Kiwanis
- Elks
- Lions Club
- Rotary Club
- The Arc
- Easterseals
- National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Other suggestions: high school or college clubs, veteran organizations, hospital auxiliaries, or local churches.
Tip: Contact local chapters or branches directly, as many grants are awarded at the community level.
Creating Your Own Opportunity
Fundraisers
- Plan a local fundraiser and invite friends, family, and community members. Share the purpose of your fundraising and express gratitude for their support.
- Ideas: bake sales, garage sales, car washes.
Tax Returns
- Tax season is a great opportunity to set aside funds for HA CONNECT. If you receive a tax refund, consider allocating a portion of it toward your conference expenses, such as registration, travel, or lodging.
Sponsorship from Medical Providers or Companies
- Talk to your healthcare provider, hospital, or clinic about potential sponsorship.
- Pharmaceutical or medical device companies that produce treatments for your condition sometimes sponsor patients to attend educational conferences as part of advocacy or outreach.
Crowdfunding
- Use platforms like GoFundMe or Fundly to raise funds for conference attendance. Share your story, the purpose of attending the conference, and how it benefits your health or advocacy efforts. Promote your campaign through social media and local community groups.
Community Support
- Place donation jars at community businesses (like coffee shops, grocery stores, or salons) with a short description of your goal.
Airline Miles Donations
- Ask friends and family if they can donate frequent flyer miles to help with airfare costs. Many airlines have formal programs for transferring miles.
Leverage Credit Card Rewards
- If you use a credit card with travel rewards, redeem points for flights, hotels, or car rentals. Be sure to plan ahead to maximize your rewards.
Helpful Tools
- Sample Grant Proposal Letter: Use our sample letter to craft a strong request for funding tailored to your needs. Download our sample grant proposal letter to attend HA CONNECT
- Expense Calculator: Organize your travel and conference expenses with our Excel spreadsheet. Download our HA CONNECT Attendance Expense Spreadsheet.
- LinkedIn’s Guide to Conference Grants: Reference this article for tips on finding and applying for funding.
Tips for Success
- Start Early: Research funding sources and application requirements as soon as possible.
- Be Organized: Gather required documents such as proof of financial need, reference letters, and expense estimates.
- Personalize Requests: Adapt our sample letter to reflect your unique circumstances and goals.
- Follow-up: Stay in touch with organizations to ensure your application is complete.
Join Us at HA CONNECT – Plan Your Path Today!
Attending HA CONNECT is a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Don’t let financial barriers keep you from attending HA CONNECT! Start planning today by exploring these funding options and developing a strategy that works for you.
For more information about the conference, visit hydrocephalusconference.org.