Who is eligible?

Anyone diagnosed with Lyme disease through age 25 and can demonstrate a qualified financial need.

Applicant must be an active patient of a US-based Lyme-literate MD, ND, DO, PA-C, or NP. NDs must have graduated from a CNME accredited institution. All practitioners must have prescribing rights in their state of practice.

Must be a USA resident.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Be sure to apply early so we can ensure your application is complete before the deadline.

Deadline: April 24, 2020, Notification: June 12, 2020

Deadline: August 21, 2020, Notification: October 16, 2020

Deadline: December 31, 2020, Notification: February 12, 2021

All parts of the application and supporting letters must be received by the deadline date in order to be considered. LymeLight Foundation distributes grants 3 times a year.

Amount of Grant

Grants are awarded in incremental amounts. The lifetime maximum amount of a grant is $10,000 per individual or $30,000 per family.

Questions about grants can be emailed to grants@lymelightfoundation.org Please see the below list of FAQs which may answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What expenses does a grant cover?

A grant covers expenses relating to the treatment of Lyme disease. This includes medication, supplements, doctor visits, lab testing, alternative practitioners such as Acupuncturists and Chiropractors, and transportation to and from the out of area doctor or lab. Grants may not be used for education expenses or Lyme treatment for anyone other than the grant recipient (i.e. parents or friends). Grants may not be used for past medical debt, food, rent or mortgage expenses.

What is the maximum grant? How does the incremental funding work?

The lifetime maximum grant is $10,000 per individual or $30,000 per family. LymeLight provides an initial, smaller grant in order to partner with the grant recipient. LymeLight must receive the appropriate feedback before additional funding is considered. Each recipient is required to verify use of funds and to complete the grant feedback form and then is eligible to re-apply for additional funding.

Application Questions

How does the application process work?

LymeLight Foundation uses an online application system. To apply you must submit an application form, doctor’s letter and letters of support. You will be notified of the decision via email and the decision will also be posted to your account.

I have more than one child struggling with Lyme, how do I apply?

Each family is required to use the same account with the same login and password. However, a separate application and doctor letter is required for each child applying. IMPORTANT: Do NOT create a new Account for each family member. Parents may complete the application for their children. If awarded a grant we require each child to have his or her own pledge form, feedback form and submission of receipts.

What is required for the doctor’s letter?

LymeLight Foundation will determine medical eligibility with the help of the applicant’s treating US physician. The doctor’s letter must meet the following requirements:

Addressed to LymeLight Foundation

Written on the doctor’s letterhead

Signed by the doctor

Confirm the diagnosis of Lyme disease

State applicant’s name, date of birth and provide a brief case history

It is helpful to have the doctor speak to the financial need

A positive lab test does not replace the need for a doctor letter. A treating physician is defined as a Lyme-literate MD, ND, DO, PA-C or NP. NDs must have graduated from a CNME accredited institution. The grant application is not complete and eligible for consideration by the Board of Directors until LymeLight receives the doctor’s letter. The doctor’s letter is valid for 2 years.

Should I check in with LymeLight while my grant application is in process?

We will send you email notifications when we have received your application, doctor letter, letters of support and a final email when your application is complete. You may login at any time to view your account and check the status of your application and see any remaining tasks that are due.

How will I know if I will be awarded a grant?

LymeLight Foundation will email each applicant after the board meeting with a decision. The decision will also be posted to the applicant’s online account. The notification will occur approximately 2 months after the application deadline. Your patience is appreciated.

After Decision

I have been put on the waitlist, now what?

To be reconsidered at future board meetings, you must fill out the waitlist update by logging in below. We encourage you to provide updates as to your status and current need. You may provide more details on your financial situation, current medical needs or any new obstacle that we may not be aware of. Please share anything you think we should know. Your application will stay active for one year. At that point you can apply again if still eligible.

What happens when a grant is awarded?

If you are selected for a grant, it is required that you sign an online pledge form committing to provide feedback and verifying the use of funds. We require the submission of receipts used for treatment. We also want to learn more about you and your Lyme journey. It may be used as a Story of Hope on our website. We will be interested to learn how your treatment grant affected your healing. We will contact you if we are ready to share it online to ensure this does not present a problem. Please also send photos. We appreciate frequent communication. Please send communication to grants@lymelightfoundation.org.

Do I need to use all my funds before giving feedback and asking for an additional grant?

You do not need to use all your funds before applying for an additional grant. We recommend at least half of your initial grant funds be spent before you re-apply. However, we realize that grant recipients need financial visibility when making ongoing treatment choices and medical appointments. We also recognize that treatment disruptions are not beneficial. If you are re-applying before the majority of funds are spent please provide a plan for the remaining funds on the re-application form.