ICF Travel Grant Support Program

The International Cancer Foundation (ICF) is pleased to offer a limited number of travel grants to support healthcare professionals and patient advocates in attending ESMO Congresses and related events.

This program is designed to reduce financial barriers for individuals engaged in cancer care and advocacy. Before applying, please visit the ESMO website to identify events that align with your interests and activities.

We encourage you to read the full information and eligibility criteria below before starting your application.

What does the travel grant cover?

Each grant supports attendance at a selected ESMO event and includes:

  • Reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses up to EUR 1,000
  • Free registration to the selected ESMO event
  • The possibility of covering one extra night of accommodation before or after the congress, if required for logistical reasons

Funding policy:

  • Applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are eligible for full funding (up to 100%)
  • Applicants from high-income countries may receive partial funding (up to 70%), assessed on a case-by-case basis

Responsibilities of grant recipients

If selected, you agree to:

  • Attend the event in full and in person – partial attendance or virtual participation does not meet the requirements of the grant and may result in denial of reimbursement.
  • Confirm your attendance by the deadline provided by ICF. Failure to confirm may result in the reassignment of your grant.
  • Provide a post-congress testimonial, if requested, in the form of a short written statement and/or brief video. These may be used for ICF communication purposes (e.g., reports, website, social media).

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from:

  • Healthcare professionals involved in oncology services
  • Leaders or members of patient advocacy organizations
  • Individuals committed to advancing cancer care and access in their communities

Please note:

  • A maximum of one grant per person per year is allowed
  • Once awarded, recipients must wait 24 months before reapplying

How are applications evaluated?

ICF considers the following:

  • Geographic representation
  • Balance of cancer types
  • Inclusion of both large and small organizations
  • Applicant’s motivation and potential impact

Application process

Before the Congress

  • Submit your application via the designated online form outlining:
    Why you wish to attend the event
    How the experience will support your professional or advocacy goals
  • You will be notified within two weeks of submission regarding the outcome.
  • You will be responsible for booking your flight and reserve your accommodation.

After the Congress

  • Submit a Statement of Expenses form, along with original invoices, as a single combined PDF.
  • Only include expenses for which reimbursement is being requested.

Eligible expenses

Accommodation

  • You are responsible for booking your own hotel.
  • Costs will be reimbursed after the event or upon production of your expenses receipts
  • If a patient organization rents a shared accommodation (e.g., Airbnb), provide names of attendees and submit one consolidated expense form.

Travel

Organize your own travel. ICF will reimburse:

  • * Economy class airfare
  • * Fuel (EUR 0.60/km)
  • * Taxis for travel between:
  • Home and airport
  • Airport and hotel
  • Airport and congress venue

Important notes

The following expenses are not eligible for reimbursement:

  • Meals and per diems
  • Phone/internet costs
  • Hotel extras (minibar, laundry, etc.)

If you have any questions or need help with your application, please contact us