ILMAUSA Foundation: Our Mission and Background
Our Mission
The ILMAUSA Foundation is dedicated to improving lives by supporting patients and strengthening healthcare in Lebanon and the United States. Through compassion, innovation, and global collaboration, we invest in medical education, empower research, and provide resources that bring lasting impact to communities in need.
Background
The ILMAUSA Foundation was established in early 2021 through the dedicated efforts of the ILMAUSA community, creating a charitable and educational platform aimed at making a meaningful impact. Guided by a committed board of nine ILMAUSA members and five esteemed volunteers from the broader community, the Foundation strives to fulfill its mission of support and collaboration.
Supporting Lebanese Medical Students.
The ILMAUSA Foundation is dedicated to empowering Lebanese medical students through various initiatives:
ILMA-USA Research Fellowship Program
Since 2022, the ILMA-USA Foundation has supported Lebanese students pursuing medical research at the University of Kansas. Launched at the Beirut Conference in 2024, the program awarded $275,000 in fellowships through the ILMA-KU Research Fellow Program—created by the ILMA-USA Kansas Chapter in partnership with KU School of Medicine and Lebanese community donors—funding seven Lebanese students in one-year research positions. In 2025, it expanded with $300,000 secured to support five new fellows. This is the first and only program of its kind in the U.S., offering outstanding Lebanese students a unique path to advance their research careers. Looking ahead, ILMA-USA is working to build a permanent endowment to sustain these opportunities for generations. → [Donate to Research Fellows Program]
ILMA-USA DMV Chapter Scholarship: Launched in Beirut
During the ILMA 2024 Conference in Beirut, the ILMA-USA DMV Chapter awarded $22,000 in excellence scholarships to 22 outstanding Lebanese medical students. At the ILMA 2025 Conference, this commitment grew with $42,000 awarded to 42 students. The DMV Chapter Scholarship Fund helps aspiring physicians cover the cost of the USMLE exam — a vital step toward earning medical licensure. → [Donate to DMV Scholarships]
ILMA-USA Academic & Mentorship Programs
We also actively support the ILMA-USA Academic Committee and the ILMA-USA Mentorship Committee to enhance educational experiences for medical students. The Academic Committee fosters excellence in medical education, research, and mentorship by connecting students with mentors, providing research stipends, and facilitating opportunities for students to present their work globally. The Mentorship Committee pairs students and graduates with expert mentors across specialties, offering career guidance, valuable resources, and networking to shape the next generation of medical leaders. → [Donate to Academic & Mentorship Programs]
Delivering Critical Aid to Lebanon
ILMAUSA Foundation’s Response to Lebanon’s Crisis: In response to the ongoing healthcare crisis in Lebanon, the ILMAUSA Foundation has mobilized resources and partnerships to deliver urgent aid. We supported the Lebanese Red Cross and sent over $400,000 worth of essential medical supplies and medications to Lebanon, now in use at the Franciscaines de la Croix du Liban, serving patients across the country. To continue this vital work, we invite you to support our Emergency Fund and help those most in need by [donating here].
Advancing Global Health Together
ILMA-USA launched its Global Health Committee to advance global health with a special focus on Lebanon. The committee strengthens healthcare access, supports public health in Lebanon and the USA, and promotes collaboration between local and international experts. Through sustainable projects—including primary healthcare initiatives, quality improvement programs, and university-affiliated partnerships—the committee works to improve health equity and medical education for underserved populations. We collaborate with organizations such as the Rotary Club of Lebanon and GLSN-USA, and invite clinics, institutions, and global health advocates to join us in this mission → [Apply Now]
Chapter Fundraising Events
Planning a fundraising event for the ILMA-USA Foundation? This form lets ILMA-USA Chapters and members share the details of their events so the Foundation can stay informed, offer guidance or support if need be, and help make your event a success.
Click here to complete the Fundraising Event Form
If your event includes a live performance, please also complete the Performance Cost Estimate Form to outline all related expenses such as artist fees, technical setup, and travel arrangements.
Educational Events and Networking
ILMAUSA Foundation-Led Fundraising for Education and Healthcare Support: The ILMAUSA Foundation organizes and leads annual fundraising initiatives through its chapters across the United States—including Kansas, DMV, Florida, New York, New Jersey, New England and others. These efforts provide scholarships for Lebanese medical students and fund essential medications for clinics in need. Through events such as charity dinners, the Foundation ensures a coordinated, impactful approach to advancing education and healthcare for individuals facing financial and medical challenges.
DMV Chapter – Through ILMAUSA Foundation fundraising, scholarships are provided to empower the next generation of Lebanese medical students.
Kansas Chapter – Led by the ILMAUSA Foundation, this initiative supports Lebanese students through the Research Fellowship Program.
Florida Chapter – The ILMAUSA Foundation, with the Florida Chapter, raises funds to deliver critical medical aid to those in need.
New England Chapter – ILMAUSA Foundation fundraising helps bring essential medical supplies and medications to Lebanon.
New York Chapter – The ILMAUSA Foundation supported a social event that fostered new connections and strengthened community ties.
Become a Friend of ILMAUSA Foundation
You don’t have to wear a white coat to make a real difference—just passion and purpose. Whether you’re in the U.S. or Lebanon, you can support our mission and help transform healthcare. [Apply Now]