About the Program

In countries where the average ANNUAL income is around $10,000 (roughly 107 countries). The combined cost of a passport and visa—often totaling about $300—places international travel far beyond reach for most families. As a result, many people are unable to obtain travel documents unless an absolutely necessary, and when emergencies arise, such as medical or family crises, they often cannot travel in time because of both cost and processing delays. Similarly, in the United States, individuals living on fixed incomes through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) face comparable financial constraints, making a passport a low priority expense. These shared challenges highlight a universal barrier to global mobility and serve as one of the core motivations. The goal is to make travel financially accessible to all. Each month, Passports For Ataxians Foundation awards a $400 USD scholarship to a person affected by ataxia to help reduce the financial barriers that can make travel more difficult or inaccessible.

The scholarship can help pay for travel-related expenses such as passport applications or renewals, visas and required travel documents, luggage and travel supplies, transportation, lodging, travel insurance, accessibility assistance, and mobility-related travel needs.

Our goal is about more than helping someone get from one place to another. We want to give people affected by Ataxia greater opportunities to travel, explore, learn, experience new places, and build independence and personal growth.

Award Amount: $400 USD
Awarded: Once each month
Who it supports: People affected by Ataxia (or their caregivers) & only apply once
Purpose: Helping make travel and new experiences more financially accessible

Travel. Explore. Learn.