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 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.”
- 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) - 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). - 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? - Budget
Provide a simple budget that outlines your expected expenses. - Project Timeline
Project Start Date:
Project End Date:
List the major activities and anticipated completion dates. - Certifications
I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete.
Name:
Title:
Signature:
Date: