Best Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Grants in North Dakota

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.

North Dakota nonprofit organizations that are AFA members and run Alzheimer’s or dementia programs can access funding through Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to support services for individuals, families, and caregivers. Grants of US $6,000 may cover administrative costs, staff salaries and training, occupancy, and necessary supplies or equipment for new or existing programs.

North Dakota research institutions and organizations training recent graduates in Alzheimer’s and dementia research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health, with awards up to US $400,000. This R25 program supports 1–2 year postbaccalaureate, mentored research experiences in AD/ADRD and aging, combining independent projects with structured academic and professional development.

Nonprofit or academic organizations running Alzheimer’s and dementia summer research education programs in North Dakota can apply for up to US $200,000 to support hands-on AD/ADRD projects. With a mission to expand the AD/ADRD research workforce, National Institutes of Health provides funding for programs engaging high school students, undergraduates, or science teachers in STEM-focused dementia research experiences.

North Dakota dementia and Alzheimer’s disease researchers can access funding through the Alzheimer’s Association AARGA program to support early-career, newly independent investigators. Awards of US $70,000 - US $200,000 fund preliminary or pilot projects across basic, translational, clinical, psychosocial, neuroimaging, epidemiology, care interventions, and health equity research, with eligibility open to U.S. and international applicants.

North Dakota dementia and Alzheimer’s organizations can access funding through Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation to improve care, support, and quality of life for older adults with brain degenerative diseases. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored projects operating at least two years; individuals and universities are not supported.

Postdoctoral researchers working on Alzheimer’s or dementia-related research in North Dakota can seek funding for early-career projects, with awards up to US $200,000. The Alzheimer’s Association supports dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research by nurturing underrepresented and emerging investigators under the mentorship of established scientists to help them transition toward independent research careers.

Clinician scientists conducting dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research in North Dakota can access funding to support their training and research careers. Grants from Alzheimer’s Association help advance clinical and patient-related diagnostic studies in fields like neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, psychology, neuropathology, and radiology, with awards up to US $250,000, and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups.

With a mission to support those affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides North Dakota Alzheimer’s and dementia organizations with US $25,000 for innovative programs improving quality of life for individuals and families. Eligible applicants must be AFA nonprofit member organizations and can use funds for program-related staff, training, operations, supplies, and equipment.

Public safety agencies running dementia wandering-prevention or related public safety programs in the U.S., including North Dakota, can seek the Project Lifesaver International Grant to support these efforts. Focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s care and safety, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers twice-yearly awards of US $6,000 for training, equipment, administration, and community outreach.

Nonprofit organizations providing dementia and Alzheimer’s respite care in North Dakota can apply for the Milton & Phyllis Berg Family Respite Care Grants, awarding US $6,000 to support respite care scholarships and related program costs. Funding from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America can cover supplies, equipment, capacity building, administrative expenses, and staff training for these services.

Research institutions and teams conducting imaging research on Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in North Dakota can apply for grants supporting early-stage pilot projects and innovative imaging data analysis. Grants from Alzheimer's Association help advance novel imaging tools and imaging-based dementia research, with awards of US $200,000 over one year and up to three projects funded.

Research institutions and investigators studying aging, Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementias in North Dakota can access funding via the National Institutes of Health to investigate mechanisms linking olfactory decline with these conditions. Projects may use human or animal models and diverse methods, including cellular, molecular, imaging, physiological, omics, or other innovative approaches.

Focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research, this upcoming NIH opportunity invites investigators, including those in North Dakota, to study cerebellar contributions to cognitive and affective functions in aging and AD/ADRD. Eligible research organizations may propose basic, translational, or data-driven studies, including exploring cerebellar targets for interventions to promote cognitive reserve or delay disease onset.

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 and aides. North Dakota dementia-focused organizations may review this as a model but are not geographically eligible.

North Dakota Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers conducting preclinical drug target validation and early-stage therapeutic discovery can access funding through the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health. This upcoming NIA U01 opportunity will support rigorous work on novel small molecules, biologics, and emerging modalities for AD and related dementias.

Research institutions studying mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias can seek upcoming consortium-based funding to build interdisciplinary “Center without Walls” teams, including those in North Dakota. National Institutes of Health will support collaborative networks using advanced technologies, disease-relevant models, clinical science, and human specimens to uncover ADRD mechanisms, therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and factors influencing susceptibility and resilience.

Research institutions studying how environmental and other exposomic factors affect Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias can apply for National Institutes of Health support, including projects based in North Dakota. National Institutes of Health backs mechanistic, translational, and human subjects research on neural pathways, mixtures of exposures, lifespan risk and resilience, and neurological health disparities in ADRD.

Research institutions and investigators studying Alzheimer’s and dementia can apply for National Institutes of Health phased awards supporting functional validation of new therapeutic targets, including work in North Dakota. Funding supports technology and model development, target modulation studies, and cross-validation across laboratories to rigorously link targets to disease mechanisms and de-risk future translational research.

Research institutions and affiliated organizations in North Dakota 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 to improve person-centered, coordinated, and equitable brain health care.

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 postdoctoral researchers studying Alzheimer’s disease can apply for BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grants, awarding US $200,000 - US $300,000 for pioneering research projects. Investigators in North Dakota and worldwide may be eligible, with a strong emphasis on supporting diverse scientists in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research.