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Lyme Disease Association (LDA) Grant Program

The Lyme Disease Association (LDA) awards grants in three different areas of its mission:  Research, Education, and Patient Support  (LymeAid 4 Kids).  The sections below highlights each area of grant support.   Click below for the summary of stats on all grants awarded through 2023.

Research Grant stats
Education Grants stats
LymeAid 4 Kids Grant Stats

Research Grants

lyme disease grant programSince the LDA officially opened its doors in 1992, it has awarded 124 research grants from coast to coast. The Lyme Disease Association is one of the largest sources of private, nonprofit tick-borne diseases research funding in the United States. We strive to fund the most relevant research and cutting-edge research aimed at investigating the prevention and treatment of tick-borne diseases. We choose projects led by top scientists who are able to publish in peer review to move the field forward.

LDA in partnership with an affiliate endowed the first center in the world to study chronic Lyme disease, which opened at Columbia University in 2007. The Center brings together researchers from various disciplines and from around the US.

Since 1999, the LDA has sponsored 22 scientific/medical conferences, nineteen jointly with Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. All provided Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for physicians. LDA has funded cutting-edge research projects with over 36 different researchers and institutions throughout the country, such as: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, NJ Medical School, Fox Chase Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, University of Pennsylvania, Bringham & Woman’s Hospital, NY Medical College, Rockefeller University, Tulane Regional Primate Center, University of North Florida, NIH/NASA and UDSA.

The results of LDA’s research projects have been published in 62 peer-reviewed scientific journals to date, such as: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Infection, Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Neurology, JSTBD, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Journal of International Neuropsychological Society and Infection and Immunology, Emerging, Infectious Diseases (CDC), Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, Journal of International, Neuropsychological Society, Infection & Immunity, Gene, Genetics, Journal of Bacteriology, Journal of Entomology, and PLOS 1.

One project resulted in data used to apply for/receive $4.7 million NIH grant. Significant genome mapping initially funded by LDA, has shown that different strains of Borrelia have the ability to exchange genetic material among themselves, a trait greatly benefiting their survival and probably confounding the body’s ability to eradicate the organism.

Other areas of work include: Testing, Treatment trials, Persistence of tick-borne diseases in GI tract, Mapping the genome of Borrelia strains, Brain imaging in the study of Lyme disease, PCR studies, Endocrine studies of Lyme, Underdiagnosis of neuropsychiatric Lyme disease in children and adults, Natural tick control, Identifying organisms in ticks nationwide, Immune complexes, Magnetic field effects on Borrelia, Infection rate of mammals, and Protein arrays.

Currently, there are more than a half-dozen projects that are ongoing. The researchers, projects, and science are ready to find a cure. Now we need the funding to make it a reality.

(Image of PET Scan overlay above courtesy of Brian Fallon, MD, Columbia University)

Education Grants

lyme disease educationTo help increase awareness and education throughout the country, the LDA believes it is essential to work with and assist other Lyme organizations and individuals.

To date, LDA has awarded 173 educational grants. 118 educational scholarships to the LDA/Columbia continuing medical education conferences were awarded. Other grants have been to groups from across the country and some to universities to implement their programs. Many of the grants were used to support the following types of activities: publications (including Compendium of Tick-Borne Disease: A Thousand Pearls, “Lyme Times,” “The Basics,” TX Lyme Disease brochure), school curriculum project, Lyme disease websites, distribution of materials to school nurses, host various educational projects in schools, support medical conferences provided by other organizations  including several offering continuing Medical Education credits (CME), sponsor Lyme disease symposia, provide educational in-service meetings for schools, companies, and general public.

Patient Support Grants

lyme disease aid for kids

UPDATED AUGUST 2024

In memory of the Lyme Disease Association’s (LDA) president Patricia V. Smith, the LDA has transferred ownership of their LymeAid4Kids (LA4K) program to Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association (COTBDAA) to continue the granting program to provide monies for children in need of Lyme testing and treatment.

COTBDAA has been an affiliate member of the Lyme Disease Association, Inc. (LDA) since it was established as a 501c3 non-profit in 2016.

The Lyme Disease Association developed the LA4K program when internationally acclaimed author Amy Tan, herself a Lyme patient, approached the LDA, asking us to help children who might have Lyme disease.

The program was set up in 2004 and has provided grants for children throughout the US. This fund is for children who do not have insurance coverage or do not receive reimbursement for Lyme and other tick-borne disease treatment/diagnosis and whose families have economic difficulties. This fund often runs out as the number of applicants in need of support is greater than the funds available.

Please consider donating in memory of Patricia Smith. Donations can be made online at Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association.