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APS Caregiver Support Travel Fund

Purpose of Fund

Established in 2022, the APS Family and Caregiver Support Committee along with support from APS Council and sponsorships, aims to provide up to three travel awards ($500 each) to support APS members who are either a caregiver or require a Personal Assistance Services who plan to attend an APS Annual Meeting.

For the purpose of this fund, a caregiver is defined as an APS member ​who provides primary care for an individual who is unable to solely care for themselves (e.g. a young or disabled child, a sick, injured or elderly partner, spouse or relative). Personal Assistance Services (PAS) are defined by the US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy ​and could include traveling with a PAS for assistance with mobility issue, visual impairment, or sign language interpreter.  

Approved Usage of Travel Fund

Funds may be used for any caregiving/PAS costs that the applicant would not normally incur during their workday, such as the cost (airfare, hotel, meals) to travel with a child/caregiver or PAS, or after-hours at-home care, or cost of breast-milk transport services.​

How to Apply

​Applications for 2024 are closed. 

Plant Health 2024 Caregiver Travel Grant Terms and Conditions

Eligibility

Membership in APS is required and applicants must declare how they will utilize the funds for approved travel expenses. 

Preference will be given to applicants who are:

  • APS Early Career Members 
  • Attending the APS annual meeting for the first time
  • Presenting/have mentees presenting (oral given preference over poster) at the APS annual meeting.
  • Volunteering within the APS annual meeting

The top applicants will be entered into a drawing for the three available travel grants ($500 each). Travel funds will be distributed to the individuals at the APS annual meeting.

Review Committee​​

A subcommittee of three members from the APS Family and Caregiver Support Committee will aid in the promotion, solicitation, review, and selection of recipients. The committee will request feedback from travel fund recipients on the applicatoin process and use of funds. After two years of offering the Caregiver Support Travel Fund, the committee will conduct a review of the program and present their summary and any proposed revisions to APS Council for approval on continued support for the program.​