By Terri McCormick

Patients living with Lyme disease often face a double burden: the physical and emotional toll of the illness itself, and the significant financial strain that comes with seeking answers and treatment.

While funding options are not abundant, several nonprofit organizations and patient‑support groups offer grants and financial assistance programs designed to ease some of this load.

See each organization’s website for details of what they offer and how to apply.

LymeAid 4 Kids

LymeAid 4 Kids (LA4K) provides financial assistance to children and young adults age 21 and younger who need Lyme disease testing and treatment.  This is a national program administered by the Colorado Tick‑Borne Disease Awareness Association.

Up to $2,000 toward diagnosis and treatment for eligible applicants. Applications for 2026 are closed. The next cycle opens January 31, 2027, with funding  distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Learn more and apply:  National LymeAid 4 Kids (LA4K) Program

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LymeLight Foundation

LymeLight Foundation provides financial assistance to children and young adults under age 25 who are undergoing treatment for Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses. Grants may be used for medications, supplements, doctor visits, laboratory testing, alternative practitioners such as acupuncturists and chiropractors, and travel to medical appointments or laboratories.

The foundation offers an initial grant and may provide additional funding based on progress reports. The lifetime maximum is $10,000 per individual or $30,000 per family. Families with multiple children may apply, but each child requires a separate application and physician letter.

Application deadlines:
• August 14, 2026 (midnight PST) • December 11, 2026 (midnight PST)

Learn more and apply: LymeLightFoundation.org

Lyme Test Access Program (LymeTAP)

LymeTAP helps individuals with financial hardship obtain diagnostic testing for Lyme disease and other tick‑borne illnesses. The program may reimburse up to 75 percent of the cost of testing performed by a CLIA or Medicare‑approved laboratory of the applicant’s choice. Children under 18 receive priority consideration.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no set deadline.

Learn more and apply: LymeTAP.com

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Lyme Treatment Foundation

Lyme Treatment Foundation provides financial assistance to individuals of all ages diagnosed with Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses who demonstrate financial need. Grants of up to $4,000 may be used for treatment with Lyme‑literate physicians, including MDs, DOs, NDs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Eligible applicants may reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, or Germany. The foundation also offers separate testing grants for individuals who have not yet received a diagnosis.

Grant cycles are announced throughout the year.

Learn more and apply: LymeTreatmentFoundation.org

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LivLyme Foundation

LivLyme Foundation provides financial assistance to children and young adults up to age 21. Grants may be used for treatment with U.S.‑based physicians and clinics, as well as medications and supplements. Funds are paid directly to approved providers and may only be used for upcoming medical expenses.

Check the foundation’s website for current application availability and deadlines.

Learn more and apply: LivLymeFoundation.org

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Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City (LAGKC)

The Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City (LAGKC) provides financial assistance grants of up to $500 to individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses who are experiencing financial hardship. Applicants must be residents of Kansas or Missouri and provide documentation of diagnosis, treatment‑related expenses, and verification from a treating healthcare provider.

Recipients may receive one grant per year and are notified of funding decisions within 30 days of application. Because funding is limited, not all applicants will receive grants.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to available funding.

Learn more and apply: lymefight.info

NELAD (Northeast Lyme and Associated Diseases Resource Foundation)

NELAD provides financial assistance to children and adults with Lyme disease and other tick‑borne illnesses who demonstrate financial need. Grants may help cover diagnostic testing, Lyme‑literate practitioner visits, medications, supplements, and certain supportive therapies. Applicants from across the United States may apply, with preference given to those in the Northeast.

Grants of up to $5,000 per year are available, depending on need and funding.

Application deadlines: January 15 and June 15 each year.

Learn more and apply: NELAD.org

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Ticked Off Foundation

The Ticked Off Foundation supports adults age 26 and older who are affected by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. The organization focuses on helping patients in crisis through treatment discounts, counseling, and mental health-focused support.

Current assistance for qualifying applicants may include discounted access to the Cowden Support Program, free treatment guidance, small financial grants, and limited free emotional counseling through certified therapists.

Learn more and apply: TickedOffFoundation.org

While no program can meet every need, these organizations help make testing, treatment, and support more accessible. Because funding availability, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can change, be sure to visit each organization’s website for the most current information.

Terri McCormick is a writer and advocate with LymeDisease.org. She is the author of Being Misdiagnosed: Stories That Reveal the Hidden Epidemic of Lyme Disease. The book is available on Amazon and at TerriMcCormick.com.