The Þorbjörg Björnsdóttir Foundation provides scholarships to young people with rheumatic diseases. The purpose of the foundation is to support the education of this group, and it is run in collaboration with the Icelandic Rheumatism Association. Thorbjörg was very concerned that the education of young people with arthritis needed to be promoted to increase their opportunities for participation in the labour market and thereby improve their quality of life, despite their struggle with the disease, as her daughter became ill with arthritis at a young age. The fund's start-up capital was raised through fundraising by Þorbjörg's friends, who sold, among other things, cakes and handicrafts on stalls.

An effort is made to pay out grants from the fund as often as possible, without depleting its capital.

Who can apply?

The fund is intended for individuals with rheumatic diseases, especially young people in education. Applicants must provide a medical certificate confirming their rheumatic disease. Proof of enrolment in an educational programme and a detailed description of their circumstances must also be provided. Only members of the Arthritis Society are eligible to apply for a grant.

How do you apply?

No specific application form is used. 

• Applicant's name, national insurance number, home address, telephone number and email address
• Information about the course for which a scholarship is being applied
• Medical certificate confirming a rheumatic disease
• A detailed description of the applicant's circumstances. Applications and enquiries should be sent to the email address: gigt@gigt.is
  
  

Allocation and application deadline

The allocation from the Thorbjarg Fund does not take place annually, and it is therefore important to keep an eye on announcements from the Arthritis Association of Iceland and Sjálfsbjörg regarding the opening of the application period.