News & Events
2008 Fifth National ACHA Conference
2008 Fifth National Conference Financial Aid Policies
The goal of ACHA’s conference financial aid program is to make attendance possible for individuals who would not otherwise be able to participate. Funding is limited, and we want to ensure that as many people as possible receive the help they need to attend. All assistance is determined by financial need. Two programs are offered—our Registration Scholarship Program and the Heart Heroes Scholarship Program, for those seeking both registration and travel funding. Applicants can apply for a registration scholarship only or they can apply for both registration and travel assistance. Guidelines for each program are listed below.
Registration Scholarship Program:
Please note that the ACHA Patient/Family Conference registration fee of $215 early/$310 late ($115 for additional family members) is significantly subsidized and covers less than half the per-person conference cost. We do offer additional registration scholarship support for those who would otherwise not be able to attend. If you are only applying for a registration scholarship and are not seeking travel assistance, please complete and return the Registration Scholarship Application found here. This form must be completed and returned by April 1, 2008.
ACHA Heart Heroes Scholarship Program:
ACHA’s Heart Heroes Scholarship Program offers scholarship assistance to cover both a registration scholarship and up to the full cost of transportation and hotel for eligible out-of-area attendees. Typical recipients are those managing cardiac disability and significant financial challenges. In the past, thanks to generous support from our donors and sponsors, we have been able to fully fund all those found to be eligible, and we hope to do so again in 2008. Please complete and return the Heart Heroes Scholarship Program Application, found here. We award funding based on the criteria below:
1) Financial Aid Deadlines: ACHA will process financial aid applications on a rolling basis starting January 5, 2008. Applicants can expect to be informed of a decision within three weeks of receipt. The final deadline for financial aid applications is March 15, 2008. We encourage those interested in receiving financial aid of either sort to apply early in order to maximize your chance of funding.
2) Funding priorities:
Heart Heroes Scholarship funding will be awarded in the following priority order:
1) First-time attendees to an ACHA Conference;
2) Previous attendees who did not receive conference travel funding in 2006.
In order to give other people an opportunity to participate, ACHA asks that recent recipients of ACHA conference travel funding not apply for travel funding for the subsequent conference. Currently we are not accepting applications for travel funding from those who received conference travel funding for our Fourth National Conference in 2006. You are welcome to re-apply for travel funding, if needed, at ACHA’s Sixth National Conference (tentatively scheduled for spring of 2010).
3) Number of attendees funded: ACHA will offer travel funding for up to two members from one family (one patient and one attending companion). Additional attendees can apply for registration scholarship but will not be eligible for travel funding.
4) Personal contribution: All conference attendees receiving travel funding are asked to make a minimum per person registration payment of $60 to cover registration costs for all three days.
5) Eligible Costs: In addition to a conference registration scholarship, ACHA funds additional expenses according to the following criteria:
Room costs: When scholarship for hotel costs is offered, ACHA will fund the cost of a shared room for single attendees. ACHA will match single financial aid recipients with a same-gender roommate. If you prefer, you can also find your own roommate using the ACHA Message Board.
Number of room nights: In general, ACHA will fund no more than 3 hotel nights (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). If there are special circumstances requiring an additional night, please describe them in detail on your application.
Food costs: Conference registration includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks Friday and Saturday; dinner Saturday night; and breakfast Sunday. Except in exceptional circumstances, we do not cover additional food costs.
Transportation costs: Based on need, ACHA can partially or fully fund the cost of airfare, train fare, or gas for car travel. We do not fund rental car rental fees, cab or public transportation fare.
Medical costs: Based on need, ACHA will fund fees associated with medical needs when traveling (such as oxygen usage or wheel chair rental).
If you feel that you have exceptional circumstances and/or you need assistance to cover costs not listed above, please describe on your financial aid application upon submission. You are also encouraged to contact the ACHA office by phone at (888) 921-ACHA or e-mail conference@achaheart.org with any questions or concerns.