Purpose

The GVF Support Group Grant Program is designed to strengthen and expand vitiligo support networks by funding programs, events, outreach activities, and capacity-building efforts that improve the lives of people affected by vitiligo.

The program prioritizes initiatives that increase support and connection for people living with vitiligo, raise awareness in local communities, and contribute to sustainable support group infrastructure.

GVF will award up to $50,000 in total funding during the 2026 grant cycle.


Funding Categories

Emerging Support Group Grants: $500-$1,000

For:

  • New or developing support groups
  • Informal or unincorporated groups
  • Groups serving communities where no vitiligo support group currently exists

Example initiatives include:

  • Launching a new support group
  • Educational workshops
  • Community awareness events
  • Support group meeting expenses
  • Educational materials


Established Support Group Grants: $2,000-$5,000

For:

  • Established support groups with a track record of programming
  • Incorporated nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Organizations with active governance and financial management processes


Example initiatives include:

  • Multi-event support group programs
  • Community outreach campaigns
  • Patient education initiatives
  • Leadership development
  • Regional networking events
  • Expansion of support services

Criteria for Grant Recipients

Applicants must:

Emerging Support Group Grants

  • Be a vitiligo-focused support group, chapter, or community initiative.
  • Identify a project leader responsible for implementation and reporting.
  • Demonstrate how the project benefits people affected by vitiligo.

Established Support Group Grants

  • Be a vitiligo-focused support group incorporated as a nonprofit organization.
  • Provide proof of incorporation and tax status, if applicable.
  • Maintain a bank account in the organization’s name.
  • Demonstrate successful prior programming or community engagement.

All Applicants

The proposed project must:

  • Benefit individuals living with vitiligo and/or their caregivers.
  • Align with GVF’s mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with vitiligo through education, research, clinical care, and community support.
  • Be completed within 12 months of receiving funds.
  • Include measurable outcomes.

Grant Application Timeline

Call for applications: October 1, 2026
Close applications: October 31, 2026
Announce grant recipients: November 30, 2026
Distribution of grants: December 2026

Review Criteria

Reviewers will be asked to base their evaluations on the criteria below:

  • Community impact
  • Alignment with GVF mission
  • Feasibility
  • Sustainability
  • Innovation & Creativity

Successful Applications

The Most Successful Proposals Will Clearly Articulate:

  • How the project aligns with the mission of GVF
  • What methods will be used to achieve the project’s aims
  • How the project will change lives

Reporting Requirements

Within 60 days of project completion, recipients must submit:

  1. A one-page impact summary.
  2. Photos, testimonials, or examples of project outcomes.
  3. A budget summary showing how funds were spent.
  4. Copies of receipts upon request.

Grant Policies and Procedures

Terms and Conditions for Receiving a Grant

  • Use funds only for approved activities.
  • Notify GVF promptly if significant project changes occur.
  • Return unused funds if the project is canceled.
  • Participate in reasonable follow-up requests from GVF.
  • Allow GVF to share project outcomes, photos, and success stories for educational and promotional purposes.

Conflict of Interest

Applicants must disclose any financial relationship that could influence grant-funded purchasing decisions. Disclosure does not automatically disqualify an application. This policy is consistent with previous GVF guidance.

Financial Stewardship

Recipients are expected to maintain accurate records documenting grant expenditures and retain records for at least one year following project completion.

Funding Decisions

GVF’s funding  decisions are final and based on funding availability, application quality, geographic representation, and anticipated impact.

Application

The application should include the following elements. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications should be submitted to info@globalvitiligofoundation.org with the subject line “Support Group Grant Application.”

  1. Organization Information
    Organization/Support Group Name:
    Primary Contact:
    Title:
    Email:
    Phone:
    City/State/Country:
    Website and/or Social Media:
    Grant Category:
    ☐ Emerging Support Group Grant ($500-$1,000)
    ☐ Established Support Group Grant ($2,000-$5,000)
  2. About Your Group
    When was your group established?
    Approximately how many people do you serve annually?
    Briefly describe your group’s mission and activities (250 words max).
  3. Project Description
    Project Title:
    Amount Requested:
    Describe your proposed project (500 words max).
    What community need does this address?
    Who will benefit?
    How many people do you expect to reach?
    How will you measure success?
  4. Budget
    Provide a simple budget that outlines your expected expenses.
  5. Project Timeline
    Project Start Date:
    Project End Date:
    List the major activities and anticipated completion dates.
  6. Certifications
    I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete.
    Name:
    Title:
    Signature:
    Date: