About This Program
MSA United International Consortium is committed to supporting the development of patient advocacy organizations in countries and regions where people affected by Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) may have limited access to information, support, advocacy, and community resources.
Through this program, MSA United may provide financial assistance, guidance, and partnership support to qualified groups seeking to establish or strengthen an MSA patient advocacy organization.
Potential grants may help cover:
- Government filing or application fees required to obtain nonprofit, charitable, association, or similar legal recognition
- Development of a website for the organization
- Development, translation, design, printing, or digital distribution of educational materials in the local language or languages
- Other reasonable start-up expenses approved by MSA United
Submitting this form does not guarantee funding, endorsement, affiliation, or partnership. After reviewing the application, MSA United may contact the group for additional information and to discuss possible next steps.
Key Criteria for Grant Consideration
- A demonstrated need for an MSA patient advocacy organization in the proposed country or region
- Meaningful involvement of people living with MSA, caregivers, or bereaved family members
- A principal leader with an established professional background and the experience necessary to guide the organization responsibly
- Bilingual leadership, with proficiency in English and at least one principal language of the population to be served
- A committed, credible, and capable leadership team
- A leadership team whose members operate at arm’s length from one another, without close family, financial, employment, or business relationships that could compromise independent governance
- A demonstrated track record or evidence of successfully organizing one or more fundraising events, educational programs, patient-support activities, or MSA awareness initiatives
- A willingness and ability to move promptly toward formal incorporation, organizational establishment, nonprofit recognition, and charitable status, where available
- A clear and practical plan for establishing and operating the organization
- A reasonable, well-supported budget and appropriate financial controls
- Plans to provide medically accurate, culturally appropriate information in the local language or languages
- Commitment to responsible governance, financial accountability, transparency, patient privacy, and ethical conduct
- Agreement with and commitment to the missions, values, and objectives of both Defeat MSA Alliance and MSA United
- Willingness to collaborate with Defeat MSA Alliance and MSA United and to participate in reporting, training, meetings, and international initiatives
- Potential for sustainable growth and long-term benefit to the local MSA community
Funding decisions will also depend on available resources, regional priorities, organizational readiness, satisfactory due diligence, and alignment with the missions and values of Defeat MSA Alliance and MSA United.MSA Research Funding