Scholarships and Travel Grants

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2027, at 5:00 pm

Applications can be completed using our online application form if you need assistance completeing the application email info@vabdf.org.

» Apply here via JotForm

All letters of recommendation are to be sent electronically to info@vabdf.org. Applications and/or supporting documents received after the deadline will not be considered. It is up to the applicant to follow up and make sure these items are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please read and follow the application and instructions very carefully to receive full consideration for a VABDF Lyman Fisher Scholarship. If you don’t know the answer, please type N/A. DO NOT leave any section blank.

Individuals living with an inherited bleeding disorder, their sibling or their parents who live in the territorial jurisdiction of VABDF which includes the Commonwealth of Virginia, with the exception of the following: The cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, Manassas, and Vienna and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudon, Prince William and Stafford.

Scholarship applicants must have a history of participation with and an established connection to the VABDF community.

Scholarship recipients must be an enrolled student in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and continue in school for the entire academic year without interruption, barring illness, emergency, or military service. If a scholarship recipient leaves school during the scholarship period, VABDF may ask for reimbursement of scholarship funds.

Scholarship recipients are responsible for making certain that their scholarship checks are delivered to their colleges. Recipients must provide VABDF with information on where to send the check, as well as other pertinent information such as student identification number.

The recipient is responsible for determining the impact of the scholarship or grant on their annual tax returns. For more information, talk to a tax return preparer or visit the IRS website.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.VABDF must receive the application at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the program and/or the payment deadline so that the VABDF Scholarship Committee has time to review the application. Applications for programs will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Applications can be completed using our online application form if you need assistance completeing the application email info@vabdf.org.

» Apply online via JotForm

Important Instructions

• Read all instructions carefully before submitting your application.
• Complete every section of the application.
• If a question does not apply to you, enter “N/A” do not leave any blanks.

Please Note

• VABDF may contact the applicant’s treatment provider to verify information included in the application.
• Applications are reviewed by volunteers serving on the VABDF Scholarship Committee.
• Applicants are typically notified within one month of submission regarding scholarship decisions and award amounts.

Award amounts vary but are typically in the range of $250 – $500 per person. VABDF is not obligated to award any scholarships in a given year. Terry Lamb Enrichment Scholarship applicants must have participated in VABDF activities or have been referred by their HTC or other healthcare provider that treats the inherited bleeding disorder.

Payment of Scholarship Funds

VABDF staff will work with award recipient(s) to distribute the funds. Payment will be made directly to the entity OR a receipt must be provided for reimbursement. Expenses beyond the identified scholarship amount is the responsibility of the recipient.

Individuals living with an inherited bleeding disorder and their immediate family and/or household members who live in the territorial jurisdiction of VABDF, which includes the Commonwealth of Virginia, with exception of the following: The cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Vienna and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudon, Prince William and Stafford.

Scholarships are limited to funding availability and special consideration is given to:

• First time applicants and those individuals not previously funded by VABDF
• Individuals diagnosed with an inherited bleeding disorder
• Individuals who have volunteered and/or are an active participant of VABDF
• Those individuals who are clearly able to communicate a need and would benefit from participating in such a program
• Applicant’s intention to make effective use of the program (write an article for the newsletter or speak about the experience at an upcoming VABDF event).

Individuals of all ages are encouraged to apply whenever an opportunity arises that could positively impact their health, personal development, education, career, or overall quality of life.

You do not need to be enrolled in college, pursuing a degree, or attending school to apply. This scholarship is about supporting opportunities that help individuals live healthier, more fulfilling, independent, and successful lives.

Documentation of attendance is required. Scholarship recipients understand that if they are selected, expenses are paid, that they are expected to attend the meeting and/or participate in the identified activity. Should an applicant not attend the meeting or participate in the activity they may be asked to reimburse VABDF for all expenses incurred on their behalf.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

Applications can be completed using our online application form if you need assistance completeing the application email info@vabdf.org.

» Apply via JotForm

VABDF currently accepts applications for the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC) and Washington Days. Application deadlines for these programs vary each year; please visit the VABDF event calendar for current deadlines and information.

Requests for assistance to attend other national meetings or programs may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications for those opportunities must be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the meeting or event.

 Important Instructions

• Read all instructions carefully before submitting your application.
• Complete every section of the application.
• If a question does not apply to you, enter “N/A” do not leave any blanks.

Please Note

• VABDF may contact the applicant’s treatment provider to verify information included in the application.
• Applications are reviewed by volunteers serving on the VABDF Scholarship Committee.
• Applicants are typically notified within one month of submission regarding scholarship decisions and award amounts.

Eligible applicants are individuals living with an inherited bleeding disorder and their immediate family and/or household members who live in the VABDF service area which includes most of Virginia, except: Cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, Manassas, and Vienna and Counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford

Please Note

• Recipients of the travel grant must be at least 21 years or older or accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years or older at the time of the meeting.
• Applicants are expected to have volunteered at or participated in VABDF activities.
• Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis with a strong recommendation from an HTC provider or other healthcare professional.
• Applicants’ plans to use and share what they gain from the program may be considered during the review process. Examples may include contributing to the VABDF newsletter or speaking at a future VABDF event.
• Previous travel grant recipients are welcome to reapply in future years and applicants who were not selected in a previous year are also encouraged to apply again.

Scholarship awards are based on VABDF budget and strength of the application. Award amounts vary for a travel grant but are typically in the range of $500 – $1000 per person (not to exceed $2,000 per family) and also depend on the availability of travel grants offered by the national organizations.

 Scholarship Payment: VABDF staff will work with award recipients to distribute funds. Whenever possible, payments may be made directly to the organization, program, or vendor.

Recipients requesting reimbursement must submit receipts or other proof of payment for approved expenses before reimbursement can be issued. Approved expenses will be reimbursed up to the awarded amount after documentation is received.

Any expenses exceeding the scholarship amount are the responsibility of the recipient.

Recipients are required to provide documentation of attendance. If required documentation is not provided, grant payments may be considered taxable income, and VABDF may be required to issue an IRS Form 1099 for payments exceeding $600 in a calendar year.

By accepting funds, recipients agree to attend and participate in the approved event, meeting. If a recipient does not attend or participate, VABDF may request reimbursement for expenses paid on their behalf.