Best Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Grants in Colorado

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

Colorado dementia and Alzheimer’s service nonprofits can access funding through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Bi-Annual Grant to support new or existing programs for individuals, families, and caregivers. AFA member organizations nationwide may receive US $6,000 for eligible costs such as staff time, training, occupancy, supplies, equipment, and other program-related administrative expenses.

Colorado research institutions and medical education programs focused on Alzheimer’s and related dementias can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to run postbaccalaureate research education programs. Awards up to US $400,000 support 1–2 year intensive AD/ADRD research experiences, mentorship, and professional development to prepare recent graduates for advanced research careers.

Research institutions and education organizations in Colorado developing summer programs in Alzheimer’s and dementia research for high school students, undergraduates, or science teachers can apply for up to US $200,000 from the National Institutes of Health. With a mission to expand the AD/ADRD research workforce, this R25 program supports hands-on research and complementary STEM education activities.

Colorado early-career dementia and Alzheimer’s disease researchers can access funding through the Alzheimer’s Association to develop preliminary or pilot data and test new procedures and hypotheses. This global program awards US $70,000 - US $200,000 to Assistant Professor–level investigators (or equivalent, within seven years) across basic, translational, clinical, psychosocial, and related dementia research areas.

Colorado nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status working on dementia and Alzheimer’s care, support, or quality-of-life programs can access funding through Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation. U.S.-based organizations operating at least two years and serving older adults with brain degenerative diseases may be eligible; an LOI is required before a full application.

Postdoctoral researchers in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can seek funding for early-career research projects in Colorado and beyond through the Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship for All, with awards up to US $200,000. The program supports mentored research that advances understanding, diagnosis, and treatment, and encourages applicants from underrepresented groups.

Clinician scientists conducting dementia and Alzheimer’s research in Colorado can access funding to support training and career development, with awards up to US $250,000. Grants from Alzheimer's Association help licensed, practicing clinicians in patient-care or diagnostic fields, including those from underrepresented groups, advance research on Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

With a mission to support those affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides Colorado Alzheimer’s-related nonprofits that are AFA member organizations with US $25,000 for innovative programs improving life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related illnesses and their families. Funds may cover staff, training, occupancy, supplies, equipment, travel, and other program-related administrative costs.

Public safety agencies running dementia wandering prevention and safety programs in Colorado can apply for this grant to support administrative costs, staff training, supplies, equipment, and community education. Focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America invites eligible Project Lifesaver International member agencies to seek up to US $6,000, with awards made twice yearly.

Nonprofit organizations providing Alzheimer’s and dementia respite care services in Colorado can apply for the Milton & Phyllis Berg Family Respite Care Grants from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America; awards are US $6,000 to support respite care scholarships. Funds may cover supplies, equipment, capacity building, administrative expenses, and staff training, benefiting caregivers and care recipients.

Research institutions and medical centers conducting imaging research on Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in Colorado can access funding through this joint program, which offers US $200,000 over one year per award. Grants from the Alzheimer’s Association help dementia and Alzheimer’s disease researchers pilot novel imaging tools and innovative imaging data analysis projects.

Researchers studying dementia and Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms in Colorado can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to investigate olfactory decline in aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This upcoming R01 Notice of Funding Opportunity will support mechanistic studies in older adults and/or animal models using cellular, molecular, imaging, physiological, omics, or other innovative approaches.

Researchers studying dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Colorado can apply for National Institutes of Health support to investigate cerebellar roles in cognitive and affective functions during aging and AD/ADRD. Focused on physiology, neuroanatomy, data analyses, and potential intervention targets, this upcoming R01 opportunity may benefit labs and research teams across the U.S.

Families needing in-home respite care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the Boyertown Area School District can apply for the Margaret B. Moeller Memorial Fund, awarding US $200 - US $3,000 for home care companions or aides. Colorado organizations may note this as a model of direct caregiving support funding.

Colorado Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers can access funding through the National Institutes of Health for preclinical validation and early-stage drug discovery. This upcoming U01 opportunity from the National Institute on Aging will support rigorous work on novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including small molecules, biologics, and emerging modalities across the U.S. territories.

Research institutions and interdisciplinary consortia studying mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias can apply for National Institutes of Health “Center without Walls” support, including teams in Colorado. This NINDS program backs collaborative networks using advanced technologies, disease-relevant models, clinical science, and human specimens to uncover novel ADRD mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.

Research institutions studying how environmental and neural exposome factors affect Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias can apply for National Institutes of Health support, including work based in Colorado. National Institutes of Health backs mechanistic, translational, and human subjects research on exposomic pathways influencing ADRD pathology, progression, resilience, and neurological health disparities across the lifespan.

Research institutions and teams conducting Alzheimer’s and dementia studies in Colorado can apply for National Institutes of Health funding to functionally validate new therapeutic targets using phased, milestone-driven projects. This opportunity supports customized models, technologies, and cross-lab validation that may benefit Colorado-based ADRD researchers when applications open.

Research institutions and eligible organizations in Colorado studying dementia and Alzheimer’s care can apply for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Health Services Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders program; awards up to US $250,000 for projects on early detection, diagnosis, and post-diagnostic care pathways. Funding is administered through the recipient’s institution.

The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Network aims to enhance foundational research on human consciousness, addressing critical biomedical issues such as coma and dementia. By fostering a collaborative framework among 14 NIH institutes, the initiative seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders through interdisciplinary approaches. Key objectives include detecting consciousness in minimally responsive patients, enhancing understanding of sleep disorders, and exploring new methodologies. This effort will ultimately strengthen U.S. leadership in neuroscience and improve patient outcomes.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Research Award supports innovative research aimed at reducing the risk and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It emphasizes projects that enhance understanding of risk factors and develop effective risk reduction strategies. Clinical research is permitted, but trials and animal studies are not. Collaboration and preliminary data are essential for proposal consideration, and an option for multiple principal investigators is available to foster partnerships.

The FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program's Transforming Diagnosis Award (TrDA) promotes innovative research aimed at overcoming significant barriers to accurate diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease. This award encourages community collaboration and requires preliminary data. It supports studies leveraging existing cohorts, especially those including individuals aged 65 and younger. The TrDA also offers a partnership option for multiple principal investigators, fostering collaborative research efforts while ensuring at least one independent investigator meets eligibility criteria.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Care Award aims to support innovative clinical research and trials enhancing dementia care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This funding opportunity encourages collaborative partnerships and requires preliminary data, focusing on interventions that do not solely test pharmacological solutions. Community collaboration is essential, and studies leveraging existing cohorts, including those with younger participants, are encouraged. The award supports both new and existing partnerships among principal investigators.

The NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) aims to create a secure, scalable cloud platform for genetic data related to Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative will enhance data accessibility, promote interoperability, and support rigorous research practices. By facilitating collaboration and providing robust analytical tools, the platform will maximize the scientific impact of AD/ADRD research, aligning with NIH goals for transparent and reproducible science, while addressing recommendations for broad access to high-value datasets.

Early-career MD, PhD, and equivalent-level researchers conducting Alzheimer’s disease projects, including those based in Colorado, can apply for BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grants; awards range from US $200,000 - US $300,000 for multi-year studies. U.S. and international investigators, including postdoctoral fellows within five years of degree conferral, may be eligible.