Search Through Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Grants in the U.S.

Diagnostics Accelerator

The path to approved Alzheimer's treatments starts with a better way to diagnose patients. Bill Gates and ADDF Co-Founder Leonard A. Lauder partnered to adopt a new approach that brings together philanthropic capital with a venture mindset to advance bold ideas for easier, more accurate, and earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Currently available tests for Alzheimer's are expensive and invasive. The development of reliable and affordable biomarker tests for Alzheimer’s— just as cholesterol is an early biomarker for heart disease risk— has the potential to revolutionize how we approach the disease. Biomarkers will allow us to better understand how the disease progresses, improve clinical trial design, and more accurately monitor response to treatments. All are critical to the development of effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s.

Launched in July 2018, the Diagnostics Accelerator has mobilized commitments totaling $100 million from Bill Gates, Leonard A. Lauder, Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), Eli Lilly & Company, Biogen, the Shanahan Family Foundation, the Dolby family, the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, and others.

Peripheral Biomarkers Program Funding Priorities

Modalities

Blood and other peripheral markers, including saliva, urine, and ocular biomarkers are encouraged. The development of CSF and neuroimaging biomarkers will not be considered for this program; however, we encourage the use of these modalities to validate proposed biomarkers.

Biomarker targets

Proposed approaches will be evaluated on biological plausibility linking the biomarker to disease pathophysiology. Examples of target areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Vascular injury and blood-brain barrier integrity
• Neuroinflammation
• Neuroprotection and Neurodegeneration
• Biomarkers of interest in fronto-temporal degeneration (FTD)
• Protein misfolding
• Synaptic integrity and/or activity
• Mitochondria and metabolic function
• Other novel approaches that are supported by compelling evidence that demonstrate a rational biological connection to the disease process are encouraged.

Sample sharing program

Clinical validation of a biomarker requires well characterized samples across multiple cohorts. The Diagnostics Accelerator has partnered with Janssen/Shionogi, Eisai and Roche pharmaceuticals to make available samples from their clinical trials to our researchers conducting validation stage studies.

The peripheral RFP is open to all biomarker categories that will advance drug development for Alzheimer's and related dementias. The expected context of use, which defines a biomarker's intended use clinically as a diagnostic or in drug development, should be described in the application. These categories, as defined by the FDA, include diagnostic, monitoring, predictive, prognostic, pharmacodynamic/response, safety, and susceptibility/risk biomarkers. Additionally, the applicant should articulate where in the path to commercialization the study falls and what is the proposed plan forward.

The Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement is a non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of New Jersey. Its primary mission is to support qualifying not-for-profit organizations that assist elderly individuals to remain healthy, active and engaged and generally to improve their quality of life. Towards this end, the Foundation will make grants that address the unique needs and social and physical challenges facing senior citizens. In some limited circumstances, the Foundation also will support research on geriatric life improvement.

Areas of Work Supported by the Foundation

Listed below are representative examples of the major categories of work for which the Wallerstein Foundation has provided philanthropic support in recent years. The categories are meant only to be illustrative and do not in any way rule out the possibility of making grants in other related areas.

• Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• The impacts of stoke and its treatment
• Research on aging, stroke and dementia
• Adult daycare and related activities at congregate activity centers
• Home health and wellness programs
• Health screening programs for seniors
• Food delivery and access to nutritious food for seniors
• Equipment to enhance the lives of seniors
• Special cultural and other activities for seniors
• Transportation and senior mobility

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications from institutions proposing to develop, or renew, an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). The National Institute on Aging (NIA) funds ADRCs at major medical institutions across the United States. NIA-funded ADRCs serve as a national resource for research related to Alzheimers disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD). Additionally, ADRCs work to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and care, as well as find ways to treat, and possibly prevent, AD/ADRD. Lastly, ADRCs collaborate and coordinate their research efforts with other programs and investigators funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications to the National Institute on Aging's (NIA) Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) program. The aim of this FOA is to support research that may lead to the development of innovative products and/or services with the potential to advance progress in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) and/or caring for and treating patients living with AD/ADRD.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications to the National Institute on Aging's (NIA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The aim of this FOA is to support research that may lead to the development of innovative products and/or services that have the potential to advance progress in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) and/or caring for and treating patients living with AD/ADRD.

The purpose of the FOA is to support the structural characterization of protein species associated with Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRDs) through the utilization of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) of proteins expressed in human tissue and cell sources. Studies in response to this RFA should also include the development of research tools and resources to further characterize/validate the protein species. This FOA is in response to the Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD) challenges outlined in the 2019 update to the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.

The Drug Development RFP supports investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies (or the international equivalent) and early-phase clinical trials that test promising pharmacological interventions and devices for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. Both disease-modifying and symptomatic agents will be considered.

This funding opportunity prioritizes diverse drug mechanisms and modes of action related to the biology of aging and other emerging therapeutic areas for dementia. For this reason, amyloid targeted approaches and cholinesterase inhibitor proposals will not be considered for this RFP.

Stage of development

 Early-stage human clinical trials including:

• Phase 0 micro- or sub-therapeutic-dosing studies
• Phase 1 trials in healthy subjects or patients
• Biomarker-based proof-of-concept studies (generally phase 1b or phase 2a trials) designed to assess target engagement and downstream pharmacologic effects

IND (or international equivalent) – enabling studies including:

• Non-GLP and GLP pharmacology and toxicology studies, pre-formulation, and GMP manufacture of API and/or drug product required for regulatory packages. Funding is available for preparation of traditional and exploratory IND (or international equivalent) applications
• Long-term toxicology studies to enable longer-term dosing in phase 2 trials
• GMP manufacturing and testing of API and/or drug product required to move into phase 2 or phase 3 trials

For clinical trial applications, if IND-enabling work is in progress, funding for clinical studies would be contingent upon an IND (or equivalent) successfully going into effect.

Type of therapy

Novel, repurposed and repositioned drugs, as well as natural products and devices will be considered. Therapeutic modalities of interest include small molecules, peptides, antibodies, gene therapies, antisense oligonucleotides, and stem cells. Other non-pharmacologic interventions, such as diet, meditation, and exercise, will not be considered. A detailed landscape analysis to compare competition related to the mode or mechanism of action is strongly encouraged.

Drug mechanisms or modes of action

Novel drug mechanisms and modes of action related to the biology of aging and other emerging therapeutic areas for dementia are considered high priority. These include, but are not limited to:

• Epigenetics
• Inflammation
• Mitochondrial & metabolic function
• Neuroprotection
• Proteostasis
• Synaptic activity and neurotransmitters
• Vascular function
• Other mechanisms and modes of action related to the biology of aging (e.g. senescent cells)
• Other novel mechanisms or modes of action that are supported by compelling evidence demonstrating a rational biological connection to the disease process
• Please note: Anti-amyloid approaches (e.g., anti-amyloid aggregation, beta-amyloid vaccines, beta- or gamma-secretase inhibitors) and cholinesterase inhibitor proposals will not be considered

Award Information

Up to $5,000,000 based on stage and scope of research. For studies requiring additional support, co-funding from other funding agencies or investors is encouraged. Payment structure will be negotiated and based on milestone achievements and recruitment.

Multi-year duration and only direct costs are allowed.

The aim of this RFP is to further develop and validate established biomarkers for which there is a clear clinical need in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This RFP prioritizes biomarkers with a defined context of use, a clear advantage over other relevant biomarkers, and a path to commercialization and/or clinical use.

Specifically, this RFP focuses on:

• Developing novel PET ligands for clinical trials
• Supporting novel CSF biomarkers
• Validating innovative MRI approaches in larger cohorts
• Developing novel measures of functional activity such as EEG

Novel biomarkers of neuroinflammation, synaptic integrity, autophagy and TDP-43 are high priority. Other target areas of interest include:

• Neuronal loss
• Vascular injury and blood-brain barrier integrity
• Mitochondria and metabolic function
• Protein misfolding
• Oxidative stress
• White matter changes
• Lewy body dementia
• Other novel targets supported by compelling biological rationale and connection to disease

Award Information

• Up to $600,000 based on stage and scope of research.
• One year with potential for follow-on funding.
• Only direct costs are allowed.

Funding Opportunity Description

The ADDF seeks to support precision prevention studies, combination therapy studies, and comparative effectiveness research that probe whether the use or choice of interventions may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Studies that are not in humans will not be considered.Clinical Populations of Interest:

 Primary Prevention

Primary Prevention studies include people without biomarker evidence of dementia pathology or dementia symptoms but who have specific risk factors for dementia. Relevant risk factors include: APOE4 genotype, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression, obesity, hearing loss, vision loss, traumatic brain injury, postoperative delirium, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, menopause-related cognitive dysfunction, and others.

Secondary Prevention

Secondary Prevention studies include people with biomarker evidence of dementia pathology who do not yet have dementia symptoms. Biomarker evidence may include PET amyloid positivity, CSF biomarkers, or blood biomarkers indicating dementia pathology. Subjects may have specific risk factors for dementia, including APOE4 genotype, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression, obesity, hearing loss, vision loss, traumatic brain injury, postoperative delirium, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, menopause-related cognitive dysfunction, and others.

The Prevention RFP Supports:

Precision Prevention and Risk Reduction: In July 2024, the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care reported that 45% of dementia cases may be prevented by fully addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. These modifiable risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, high LDL cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, depression, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, vision loss, and others.

Dementia risk reduction through Precision Prevention can be achieved with a targeted, mechanism-specific preventative intervention in specific populations who are at risk for developing dementia due to these risk factors and/or genetic risk factors, such as APOE4, as well as other medical conditions linked to dementia risk, including postoperative delirium/cognitive decline, menopause-related cognitive symptoms, chemotherapy-induced decline, and long COVID-19.

The ADDF will consider funding programs that target and treat people with specific risk factors with the goal of modifying their dementia risk, as measured by outcomes related to dementia (e.g., cognitive function, neuroimaging outcomes, fluid biomarkers, and others). While interventions that are limited to lifestyle modifications alone (e.g., diet, exercise, etc.) will not be considered, studies combining a risk factor-targeted medication and/or supplement with lifestyle interventions can be considered (see “Combination Therapy Studies”).

Methods may include randomized controlled trials or epidemiologic studies. Long-term follow-up studies of successfully completed prevention clinical trials will also be considered. For clinical trial proposals, please see below detailed instructions and priorities under “Expectations and Evaluation.”

 Combination Therapy Studies: Combination therapies are the standard of care for the treatment and prevention of many diseases of aging. While individual interventions may have only incremental benefits, the combination of two or more drugs targeting multiple risk factors or mechanisms related to the biology of aging may exert synergistic effects on outcomes related to dementia risk (e.g., cognitive function, neuroimaging outcomes, fluid biomarkers, and others). Randomized controlled studies testing a combination therapy of two or more agents (novel drugs, repurposed drugs, or supplements) or a combination product (containing two or more active substances within a single pharmaceutical or supplement form) will be considered. Studies combining a medication and/or supplement with lifestyle interventions will also be considered.

Comparative Effectiveness Research: For many medical conditions, physicians have a choice of prescribing clinically equivalent drugs. Some of these drugs are being investigated for repurposing to treat Alzheimer's or related dementias, due to potential disease-modifying properties that go beyond the treatment of their approved disease indication. The ADDF will consider funding research to test whether one or more clinically equivalent drugs of medical conditions is superior in protecting from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Priority will be given to studies that fill a gap in literature and knowledge. Methods may include randomized controlled trials or epidemiology. For clinical trial proposals, please see below detailed instructions and priorities under “Expectations and Evaluation.” For epidemiological studies, those utilizing quality data from large sample sizes with detailed information on patient characteristics and relevant outcomes will be prioritized. Pooling or meta-analyzing data from multiple cohorts may also be appropriate, such as through leveraging the Cohorts for Alzheimer’s Prevention Action (CAPA).Type of therapy:

Novel, repurposed, and repositioned drugs, as well as natural products, supplements, and devices will be considered. The ADDF prioritizes studies of interventions with composition of matter intellectual property (IP), concrete strategies to develop novel IP, and/or a promising commercial path forward. Studies combining medications and/or supplements with lifestyle interventions will be considered. Lifestyle interventions (e.g., non-pharmacologic interventions, such as diet, meditation, and exercise) that are not combined with a study drug will not be considered.Drug mechanisms or modes of action: Mechanisms and modes of action that target dementia risk reduction or biology of aging are considered high priority. These include, but are not limited to:

• Metabolic and mitochondrial function
• Vascular function
• Inflammation
• Neuroprotection
• Epigenetics
• Proteostatsis
• Synaptic activity and neurotransmitters
• Other mechanisms and modes of action related to the biology of aging (e.g. senescent cells)
• Other novel mechanisms or modes of action that are supported by compelling evidence demonstrating a rational biological connection to dementia risk or onset
• Please note: Anti-amyloid approaches (e.g., anti-amyloid aggregation, beta-amyloid vaccines, beta- or gamma-secretase inhibitors) and cholinesterase inhibitor proposals will not be considered

Funding Opportunity Description

The aim of this RFP is to develop biomarkers for which there is a clear clinical need in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Specifically, this RFP focuses on:

• Developing novel PET ligands for clinical use.
• Supporting novel CSF biomarkers.
• Validating established MRI approaches in larger cohorts.

Novel biomarkers of neuroinflammation and synaptic integrity are considered high priority. Other target areas of interest include:

• Neuronal loss.
• Vascular injury and blood-brain barrier integrity.
• Mitochondria and metabolic function.
• Protein misfolding/proteostasis.
• Oxidative stress.
• White matter changes.
• Other novel targets supported by compelling biological rationale and connection to disease.

Funding Priorities

The ADDF focuses on supporting drug development for Alzheimer’s and related dementias and the biomarker tools that aid in this process. This RFP prioritizes biomarker programs that define a specific use and have potential for commercial and clinical translation, with an emphasis on clinical trials (See the Evaluation section below). The RFP supports advancement of neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers that can do one or more of the following:

• Demonstrate target engagement for novel therapeutics: Biomarkers that can serve as direct measures of target engagement for novel drugs in clinical development. High priority will be given to projects advancing biomarkers that can be used as specific companion biomarkers for therapies currently in the development pipeline. Identification of such therapies strengthens an application.
• Detect signs of disease earlier and monitor progression: Programs developing sensitive biomarkers that can detect disease earlier than currently available biomarkers. This includes biomarkers that can predict and monitor conversion from cognitively healthy to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or MCI to Alzheimer’s disease. We also seek prognostic markers that can predict rates of cognitive decline.
• More accurately diagnose and distinguish between dementia subtypes: Many types of dementia can present with similar clinical features, and patients often show overlapping pathologies. At present, it is challenging to distinguish between dementia subtypes and proteinopathies. Biomarkers that can distinguish between subtypes and stratify patients in clinical trials are of high priority.

Modality-Specific Priorities

Neuroimaging

• Positron emission tomography (PET): These projects should focus on ligands for target engagement and pharmacodynamic measurements of novel and repurposed therapeutics. This RFP will support pharmacokinetics, safety, synthesis, and clinical development of novel PET ligands. The investigative team should include individuals with experience in developing PET ligands for human use.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The proposed structural or functional approach should already have proof-of-concept data in human patients and be translatable for clinical use. Approaches that can measure novel targets and are significant improvements upon what is currently available in MR techniques are of higher priority.
• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS): The ability to detect specific molecules or proteins relevant to disease or a specific drug in development should be demonstrated in the preliminary data section of the application.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers can be a single analyte or panel of analytes; however, the proposed signature should have proof-of-concept data in human patient samples and the specific analyte combination should be well justified.

Functional activity measures applicable to this RFP include electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Only highly novel techniques or analyses for EEG, MEG and TMS will be considered.

These proposals must meet the following criteria:

• The proposed approach is an improvement on already existing functional measures used in clinical practice for diagnosing and monitoring dementias.
• The biomarker and its biological connection to the disease should be established and clearly described.
• Proof-of-concept data should be completed in human patients.

Other novel approaches: The biomarker should already be identified and validated in at least a small number of human samples.

The specific purpose of this NOFO is to promote the development of a diverse, interdisciplinary workforce needed to conduct translational research on Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's-related dementias from target discovery through clinical development. This NOFO will support institutional training programs for predoctoral and postdoctoral level researchers with diverse educational backgrounds (i.e., basic biology, translational and clinical research, data science). The program invites eligible institutions to develop interdisciplinary training programs that will provide trainees with the knowledge and skills in data science, disease biology, behavioral research, and traditional and emerging drug discovery disciplines necessary to conduct rigorous and cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical research for AD/ADRD.

The specific purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to promote the development of a diverse, interdisciplinary workforce needed to conduct translational research on Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's-related dementias from target discovery through clinical development. This NOFO will support institutional training programs for predoctoral and postdoctoral level researchers with diverse educational backgrounds (i.e., basic biology, translational and clinical research, data science). The program invites eligible institutions to develop interdisciplinary training programs that will provide trainees with the knowledge and skills in data science, disease biology, behavioral research, and traditional and emerging drug discovery disciplines necessary to conduct rigorous and cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical research for AD/ADRD.

Since 1992, the American Brain Foundation (ABF) has been investing in research to defeat brain diseases and disorders. We are a national foundation for the brain dedicated to the relentless pursuit of improved prevention, treatment, and cures for brain diseases and disorders.

We unite donors and researchers to improve the lives of those living with brain disease and their loved ones. We invest in research of the whole brain and all neurologic disorders knowing they are interconnected. This holistic, innovative approach allows us to build bridges between diseases and break new ground in research and application.

Utilizing a whole-brain approach gives us an edge in understanding and combating brain disease. We understand that when we cure one brain disease, we will cure many. Hence our vision: Life without brain disease. Our founder and research partner is the American Academy of Neurology.

American Brain Foundation’s Cure One, Cure Many Award in Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and affects millions of individuals worldwide. When an individual presents with cognitive impairment, however, there are virtually no tools available to enable a clinician to make an accurate diagnosis of LBD. The lack of validated biomarkers for LBD contributes to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and thus potentially exposes individuals affected by LBD to inappropriate medication use and results in the failure to treat LBD-specific manifestations. The absence of biomarkers also impedes pertinent clinical and translational research, including drug and biomarker discovery efforts. 

In collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), Alzheimer’s Association, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the 2025 Cure One, Cure Many Award in Lewy Body Dementia now seeks applications aimed for discovery, validation, and acceleration of LBD-related biomarkers. The ABF intends to award a single grant of up to US $2 million for a budget period of up to 3 years. Academic and nonprofit institutions are allowed to allocate up to 15% of the total award amount to indirect costs.

General Information

With support from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and the Bader Philanthropies, Inc., Family Caregiver Alliance is pleased to oversee the annual Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards program.

Award Background

In the recent past, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation undertook a review of issues facing caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s disease. In June 2007, the Foundation published an expert panel discussion report, Strengthening Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Disease, which outlined promising practices, research recommendations, and key principles for caregiver support. It is against this backdrop that the Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards program was initiated. The program promotes the reports’ principles—and innovation in the field of Alzheimer’s disease caregiving—by recognizing and rewarding organizations that lead the way in addressing the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers. In 2018, the 11th year of the program, the Bader Philanthropies, Inc. joined as a funding partner as reflected in the new name — Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards.

Award Details

One award of $20,000 will be given in each of the following three categories:

Creative Expression

Programs or projects that use novel, creative approaches to support persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their family/informal caregivers. Examples include art, music, theater, poetry, multimedia (e.g. film, documentary, radio), or technology used for creative engagement or other types of creative expression.

Increasing Access and Reducing StigmaPrograms or projects that address a gap or chart a new way to deliver services, support, or outreach to family/informal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias in diverse racial/ethnic, age, religious/spiritual, LGBTQ+, rural/remote, limited income, and other groups of caregivers with unique needs.

Public Policy

Programs or projects that advocate for policy or systems changes for the benefit of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and/or their family/informal caregivers. These efforts could focus on legislation, executive or administrative changes, media or public awareness campaigns, advocacy campaigns, or any other actions to strengthen public or private recognition and support of family/informal caregivers.

The objective of the NIA Academic Leadership Career Award (K07) is to provide support for established investigators who have the expertise and leadership skills to enhance aging and/or Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimers Disease Related Dementias (ADRD)research capacity within their academic institution. Through this award, investigators will endeavor to develop research and educational infrastructure, mentorship, and career development activities in support of new or emerging areas of aging and/or AD/ADRDresearch. These may include, but are not limited to, courses, curricula, research support, pilot funding, travel awards, visiting scholars, or networks. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC). The purpose of the NACC is to serve NIA and the Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) field as:

• a national data resource, collecting data from the Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) and their affiliated data and sample repositories
• a facilitator of current and future AD/ADRD research; and
• the central hub for organizing and enabling communication within and outside the ADRC program, including annual meetings and steering committees.

About Us

The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) is a family foundation established in 2006 to support exceptional leaders and innovative organizations that tackle important social issues and deliver scalable and sustainable global impact. PSF has committed more than $600 million in grants and social investments in target areas including health and medicine, education, economic development and social justice.

By investing in pioneering individuals, non-profits and mission driven companies who dare to re imagine the possible, PSF has helped to bring about important breakthroughs — from cancer research and small scale agriculture to criminal justice reform and educational opportunities for young people in communities — around the world.

Mission

The Pershing Square Foundation supports exceptional leaders and innovative organizations that tackle important social issues and deliver scalable and sustainable impact.

MIND Prize

The Pershing Square Foundation’s (PSF) brain initiative funds cutting-edge research that revolutionizes our ability to predict, prevent, and treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Advancing our fundamental understanding of the brain and cognition to ultimately combat neurodegeneration and related diseases is a goal of increasing urgency. Breakthroughs in basic scientific and translational research will yield critical tools for and knowledge of NDDs, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, which affect millions of people worldwide.

The MIND (Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery) Prize supports and empowers early-to-mid- career investigators to rethink conventional paradigms around NDDs. Modeled after the Pershing Square Sohn Prize for Young Investigators in Cancer Research, the MIND Prize catalyzes interdisciplinary approaches and facilitate collaborations across academic departments and institutions. It fuels the groundbreaking research that will accelerate our understanding of NDDs at every level.

Projects may range from the invention of novel tools, techniques, and technologies for mapping and analyzing the brain to bold approaches that demonstrate extraordinary therapeutic potential. Research domains may include—but are not limited to—neurobiology, brain imaging and mapping, machine learning, drug delivery, and synthetic biology.

MIND Prize winners will each receive $250,000/year for three years, and they become part of a unique network of researchers associated with PSF. Generally, five to seven prizes will be awarded annually.

Benefits include:

• Facilitated partnerships with like-minded researchers within and across institutions
• Networking programs such as collaborations and discussions with industry mentors, introductions to philanthropic and for-profit investors in the business community, special industry networking and entrepreneurship events, and more
• An annual retreat
• Opportunities to present at conferences and events (hosted by PSF and other organizations)

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty

AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty and Glenn Foundation for Medical Research (GFMR) Grants for Junior Faculty provide up to $150,000 for a one- to two-year award to early career faculty (MDs and PhDs) to conduct research that will serve as the basis for longer-term research efforts on the biology of aging. These investigators study a broad range of biomedical and clinical topics related to aging.

The Program

The major goal of this program is to assist in the development of the careers of junior investigators committed to pursuing careers in aging research. The program supports research projects concerned with understanding the basic mechanisms of aging rather than disease-specific research. Projects investigating age-related diseases are supported if approached from the point of view of how basic aging processes may lead to these conditions. Projects concerning mechanisms underlying common geriatric functional disorders are also eligible, as long as these include connections to fundamental problems in the biology of aging. Projects that deal strictly with clinical problems such as the diagnosis and treatment of disease, health outcomes, or the social context of aging are not eligible.

Projects investigating mechanisms of, or putative therapies for, Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, are not eligible for this award and investigators should consider applying instead to the Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in Alzheimer's Disease (R03).

Projects investigating ger-omics should apply for The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty (currently waiting for renewal for 2025.)

It is anticipated that approximately 10 grants of up to $150,000 each will be awarded in 2025. Applicants may propose to use the award over the course of one or two years as justified by the proposed research. Up to 8% of funds may be budgeted for overhead or indirect costs (not to exceed $11,111).

About Us

In 2012, the current Board of Directors of the Jay L. Smith Family Foundation envisioned helping others by creating a foundation that would fund other non-profit organizations.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation is dedicated to helping multiple causes; however, the Foundation is especially partial to funding research for a cure of Alzheimer's. The Foundation is heavily dedicated in assuring proper care and service for individuals suffering from this disease and related illnesses.

In its first full year of existence, the Jay L. Smith Family Foundation had the pleasure of funding 11 different non-profit entities from 5 different states. Some of the services provided by those entities include elderly care, cancer research, family violence clinics, suicide prevention, and Alzheimer's research.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation is open to funding new groups and causes; however, at this time, the Foundation will only provide grants to entities and relief efforts in the United States.

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Jay L. Smith Family Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities by funding qualified non-profit organizations that promote family values, support the advancement of healthcare, and serve the disadvantaged."

What we do

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation that gives grants to organizations that promote family values, support the advancement of healthcare, and serve the disadvantaged.

Projects

Alzheimer's Research

According to the Alzheimer's Association, this disease is the most common type of dementia, a disease that affects millions of people. This past year, the Jay L. Smith Family Foundation gave grants to 2 of the leading facilities in the field of Alzheimer's research.

Strengthening Families

The US Department of Health and Human Services states that domestic violence can expose children to greater risks of substance abuse and criminal activity. The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation recently gave a sizeable grant to a domestic violence clinic in Montgomery, Alabama.

Elderly Care

Caring for the elderly requres a strong unit that includes doctors, nurses, aides, and family members. The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation is dedicated to funding organizations that provide vital services to the elderly, including hospitals and hospice facilities.

Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention stated that almost 42,000 Americans took their lives in 2013. The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation granted money to an organization who researches ways to prevent suicide and also the helping of families coping with loss.

Cancer Research

The American Cancer Society recently stated that more than one million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every year. The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation dedicated a significant amount of funds in the year 2014 to help find a cure for cancer.

Spiritual Wellbeing

Many Americans suffer from hopelessness and depression. The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation aims to help people find their unique purpose in this life and to help them become better citizens in their communities.

Mission

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.

Values

The commitment of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to those we serve is derived from the collaboration of our leadership, seasoned staff, strategic partners, and loyal supporters.

Together, our work is guided by these core values:

• Dedication to compassionate care
• Commitment to innovation, diversity, education, and research
• Culture of collaboration and philanthropy with the highest ethical standards

Bi-Annual Grant

Our Bi-Annual membership grants deliver funding for programs and services that help further AFA’s mission of providing support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide. Each grant award is $6,000. Grants are awarded twice a year.

AFA funding is based on the premise that partnership and collaboration are the cornerstones of our efforts to achieve AFA 's mission to provide support, education and research towards Alzheimer's and other dementia related brain diseases in our communities. AFA recognizes the rights and authority of Grantees, through their governing bodies, to determine their own policies and manage their own programs. As a result, AFA delineates the following grant conditions to be acknowledged by the Grantee as part of their obligation upon acceptance of grant funding. 

About the AARF research grant

The AARF grant program is intended to support exceptional researchers who are engaged in their post-graduate work (i.e. postdoctoral fellows) and before they have their first independent faculty positions (i.e. Assistant Professor) and working in diverse areas of research, including basic, translational, clinical, functional and social-behavioral research. Investigators doing clinically-focused research without clinical practice are encouraged to apply.

This grant is open to U.S. and international researchers.

Funding

Each Fellowship award is limited to $200,000. Component parts of the award include:

• A total of $180,000 (including direct and indirect costs) will be awarded for costs related to the proposed research for up to three years. (Award should be a minimum 2 years. For a 2-year award the total is limited to $140,000 with direct and indirect costs). Requests in any given year may not exceed $70,000 (direct and indirect costs). Indirect costs are capped at 10 percent of total direct costs and are inclusive of indirect costs for the implementing institution as well as any to subcontracts.
• Support for travel to scientific and professional meetings and additional support for travel expenses necessary to carry out research planned – this may include site visits. A total of $12,500 over a three year period may be requested for travel purposes and is not to exceed $7,000 in any given year. If you request the full $12,500 towards just two years of travel and are requesting a three year award you will not be able to request travel funds for one of those years. Total travel cost should not exceed $12,500 for the duration of the award and must include attendance to the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).
• The remaining funds are two $10,000 research stipends ($10,000 to the applicant and $10,000 to the primary mentor), which are not guaranteed and are awarded only upon successful completion of the award. Successful completion of the award includes, but is not limited to, successfully achieving project aims and accomplishing all of the Fellowship benchmarks. These research stipends are to be applied to sustaining ongoing research in the Alzheimer's field and will be paid to the applicant‘s and mentor‘s respective institutions at the time of release.

About the AARG-D Research Grant

The AARG-D grant program aims to fund early-career investigators who are less than 15 years past their doctoral degree or post-residency (M.D. or D.O.) with funding that will allow them to develop preliminary or pilot data, to test procedures and to develop hypotheses. The intent is to support early-career development that will lay the groundwork for future research grant applications to federal or other funding entities.

The objective of this award is to increase the number of highly trained investigators from diverse backgrounds whose basic, clinical and social/behavioral research interests are grounded in the advanced methods and experimental approaches needed to solve problems related to Alzheimer's and all other dementias in general and in health disparities populations. The Alzheimer's Association recognizes the need to increase the number of scientists from underrepresented groups participating in biomedical and behavioral research. We anticipate that by providing these research opportunities, the number of scientists from underrepresented groups entering and remaining in biomedical research careers in Alzheimer's and all other dementia will increase.

This grant is open to U.S. and international researchers.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

About the ALZ WW-FNFP grant

The World Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS) Network launched in 2017 as the first global network of multidomain lifestyle intervention trials for dementia risk reduction and ultimately prevention. Studies that participate in the WW-FINGERS network aim to apply, test and optimize the FINGER-like model to reduce risk across the spectrum of cognitive decline in different geographical, cultural and economic settings in individuals at greater risk as they age.

To support the expansion and opportunity for advancing this research, the Alzheimer’s Association is launching a pilot funding program for WW-FINGERS Network projects. The ALZ WW-FNFP will provide initial/startup funding and/or opportunities for ongoing studies to initiate WW-FINGERS like studies, to expand these studies or to add/leverage unique opportunities that enhance the study. This will be a competitive funding program and all submissions will be reviewed.

Program Overview

The WW-FINGERS Network includes over 40 countries to date with varying access to the infrastructure and funds needed to run a trial that evaluates a multi-domain intervention. The WW-FNFP is open to proposals from the Network that are in need of financial support (up to USD$1,000,000 total for up to 3 years). The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the needs of each study may be varied and the costs to conduct the study may also be varied; we anticipate most requests to be in the USD$200,000-$400,000/ year range. The support needed for each study will differ by the infrastructure and resources at each site, and is open to requests that range from start-up costs for infrastructure development, for pilot studies, for supplemental support for ongoing and/or newly established studies or for work that aims to add-on new measures or assessments (i.e. biomarkers) measures.

Funding

The maximum grant amount is up to USD$1,000,000 and the project duration is up to 3 years with no minimum timeframe. No indirect costs are allowed on this award. The Alzheimer’s Association, in collaboration with global experts appropriate for the study proposal, will evaluate projects on progress toward specific milestones; continued disbursement of funds is dependent on demonstrated progress toward key milestones.