Rare Disease Day Fund 2026

Rare Disease Day (February 28), is an internationally recognized awareness initiative held annually on February 28. It is dedicated to raising global awareness for the more than 300 million people living with rare diseases, including those with rare dermatological conditions. Established in 2008 by EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe and its Council of National Alliances, the day aims to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by rare disease patients — with a particular focus on reaching policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public.

For GlobalSkin and the RareDERM Community - a network of over 153 patient organizations representing approximately 29 rare dermatological diseases across all six WHO regions. Rare Disease Day is a powerful opportunity to spotlight the burden of rare skin diseases and advocate for better recognition, research, and resources globally.

2026 Campaign Resources - COMING SOON!

GlobalSkin is pleased to open applications for the third round of grants supporting our members’ Rare Disease Day 2026 campaign activities. Rare Disease Day, held annually on the last day of February, is the official global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of rare diseases and highlighting their impact on patients and families worldwide.

We welcome applications from Full and Associate Member organizations that demonstrate how they will raise awareness of their rare disease area(s), support their patient communities, and strengthen the impact of their organization’s work.

MARKETING

Grants funded in this category will support the development and/or purchase of marketing materials that raise awareness of the activities you have planned for Rare Disease Day. Examples of activities that could be funded include paid social media, traditional media buying, graphic design and printing materials such as flyers or brochures.

EVENT PLANNING

Grants funded in this category will support hosting activities related to Rare Disease Day. Activities can include virtual and in-person events. Examples of activities that could be funded include webinars, ask-the-expert sessions, e-learning opportunities, and town hall events. Funds can be used towards the cost of using online meeting/presentation platforms or in-person events.  

Proposals that fall into one or both of the following categories can be funded up to $500 CAD.

Please note that GlobalSkin will review and approve 15 applications for the 2026 Rare Disease Day Fund.

• Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on Monday, December 15, 2025.
• All applicants will receive GlobalSkin's funding decision by Friday, January 9, 2026.
• GlobalSkin will review and approve or decline all applications. All funding decisions are final.
• GlobalSkin will review and approve 15 applications for this Fund. 
• Only one application per GlobalSkin Member organization will be funded in 2026. 
• This fund offers reimbursement grants to be paid after Rare Disease Day 2026.

• Applicant is a GlobalSkin Full or Associate Member (Affiliate Members do not qualify to apply to the GlobalSkin Rare Disease Day Fund)
• Applicant is a GlobalSkin Member that supports patients living with a rare skin disease.
• Project aligns with Rare Disease Day Fund categories.
• Project raises awareness and builds community. 
• Project reporting must be submitted following the completion of your project to receive funding.
• Project does not violate any of the exclusions outlined below.

• Funds may not be used to pay for meals for health care providers or policymakers.
• Funds may not be used to provide honoraria or any other type of payment to health care providers or policymakers.
• Funds may not be used to purchase alcohol.Funds may not be used to cover costs of travel for individuals but may be used to support the attendance of patient community members at in-person events hosted by your Member organization.
• Funds may not be used for items for which a receipt cannot be issued.

If your proposal is funded, we will need to see evidence of how you used your funds before distributing reimbursement. Within two weeks of Rare Disease Day, we will ask you to provide us: 

• A Grant Payment Form (provided by GlobalSkin) totaling the pre-approved grant amount.

• A completed Rare Disease Day Report Form (provided by GlobalSkin).

This report will include, but is not limited to: 

• A short narrative summary of how the funds were spent.

• Images of how the funds were used (e.g., screenshots of social media, advertising materials, YouTube video, etc.).

• Data showing event impact on your patient community (number of participants, social media reach etc.).