2027 MDF Conference Financial Assistance Application

Questions? If you need help completing the application or have questions about the MDF Conference Financial Assistance Program, please contact MDF at info@myotonic.org or 415-800-7777.

Who Is Eligible for MDF Conference Financial Assistance?

• People living with DM and primary caregivers. A caregiver may complete the application on behalf of a loved one living with DM.
• Applicants with financial need. MDF uses household income and household size to help evaluate financial need.
• First-time in-person attendees. Priority will be given to people who have not previously attended an MDF Conference in person. Previous attendees are still welcome to apply and will be considered as funding allows.
• One approved companion. Assistance may include eligible expenses for one caregiver or loved one traveling with the recipient.

2027 MDF Conference Financial Assistance Rules

Download the full MDF Conference Financial Aid Policy.

• Application Deadline:
  
  • Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, January 29, 2027.
  • Applicants will be notified of MDF’s decision by Friday, February 5, 2027.
  • Financial assistance is based on financial need, first-time attendance, and available funds.
• Accepting an Award:
  
  • Recipients must accept an offered award by registering for the conference within one week of notification.
  • MDF may offer the funds to another applicant if the award is not accepted by the deadline.
• Registration:
  
  • Assistance may cover registration for the recipient and one approved caregiver or loved one.
• Airfare, Train, and Bus Travel:
  
  • Domestic travelers may receive up to $750 total.
  • International travelers may receive up to $1,000 total.
  • These limits cover the combined expenses of the recipient and one approved caregiver or loved one.
  • Travel must be booked through MDF’s designated travel agency.
  • MDF cannot reimburse airfare, train fare, or bus fare booked independently.
  • Flights must be booked at least 30 days before travel.
  • Assistance covers economy travel and one checked bag per approved traveler.
  • Seat upgrades are not covered unless MDF approves an exception supported by medical documentation.
• Hotel Accommodations:
  
  • MDF may cover up to three hotel nights: Thursday, April 29; Friday, April 30; and Saturday, May 1.
  • Hotel rooms must be arranged through MDF.
  • Additional nights and hotel incidentals are not covered.
• Personal-Vehicle Travel:
  
  • Mileage assistance is available for personal vehicles only and does not apply to rental cars.
  • MDF will calculate mileage using the address provided in the application and the conference venue address.
  • Recipients will receive approved mileage reimbursement after the conference.
  • Fuel is included in the mileage calculation and cannot be reimbursed separately.
  • Vehicle repairs, parking or moving violations, and other tickets are not covered.
• Meals and Other Travel Expenses:
  
  • MDF will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday.
  • Additional eligible expenses may be covered if funds remain after approved transportation is arranged.
  • MDF will provide recipients with information about eligible expenses and documentation requirements in their award agreement.
• Service Animals and Pets:
  
  • MDF does not cover airline pet fees.
  • Travelers using a service animal should confirm airline requirements when arranging travel through MDF’s travel agency.
• Attendance Requirement:
  
  • Recipients who can no longer attend should contact MDF as soon as possible.
  • Failure to attend without an approved exception may affect eligibility for future MDF financial assistance for up to five years.
  • Recipients who miss scheduled transportation for reasons unrelated to weather or transportation-system delays will be responsible for resulting increases in ticket costs