Best Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Grants in South Dakota

Researchers and early-career scientists studying Alzheimer’s disease can apply for BrightFocus Foundation’s international research grants, including applicants based in South Dakota, with awards of US $200,000 - US $300,000 for pioneering projects. Funding supports both standard awards for new investigators and postdoctoral fellowships in their final mentored training stages.

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.

South Dakota dementia and Alzheimer’s organizations can access funding through Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s bi-annual grant program. AFA nonprofit member organizations in good standing may receive US $6,000 for new or existing programs, including administrative costs, staff salaries and training, occupancy, and supplies that support individuals, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Universities, research institutions, and similar organizations in South Dakota can access funding to provide intensive postbaccalaureate research education experiences in Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports one-to-two-year mentored research and professional development programs, with awards up to US $400,000 for AD/ADRD projects related to aging.

With a mission to expand Alzheimer’s and dementia research education, the National Institutes of Health provides South Dakota research institutions and education-focused organizations with up to US $200,000 for summer programs. Funding supports hands-on AD/ADRD research experiences and enrichment activities for high school students, undergraduates, or science teachers to build the future dementia research workforce.

South Dakota Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers, particularly early-career assistant professors (or equivalent) within seven years of appointment, can access funding through the Alzheimer’s Association to advance dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research. The AARGA program offers US $70,000 - US $200,000 for pilot or preliminary projects across basic, translational, clinical, psychosocial, or care-focused studies, open to U.S. and international applicants.

South Dakota nonprofits supporting dementia and Alzheimer’s care can access funding through Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation to improve quality of life for older adults. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations (or those with a fiscal sponsor) operating at least two years may propose innovative programs addressing dementia care and related brain degenerative diseases.

Postdoctoral researchers working on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in South Dakota can seek funding to advance understanding, diagnosis, or treatment. The Alzheimer’s Association supports early career investigators globally through its Research Fellowship for All (AARFA) Program, offering up to US $200,000 and encouraging applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

Clinician scientists conducting dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research, including those based in South Dakota, can access funding through the Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All program. Grants up to US $250,000 support licensed, practicing clinicians in patient-contact or diagnostic fields, with individuals from underrepresented groups especially encouraged to apply.

With a mission to support those affected by dementia, Alzheimers Foundation of America provides South Dakota Alzheimer’s-focused nonprofits with US $25,000 for innovative programs improving life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related illnesses and their families. Only AFA nonprofit member organizations may apply, and funds can cover program-related staff, administration, training, occupancy, supplies, and equipment.

Public safety agencies running dementia wandering-prevention and safety programs in South Dakota can apply for funding to cover training, equipment, administration, and community outreach. Focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America invites eligible Project Lifesaver International member agencies to seek US $6,000 grants, awarded twice yearly, to strengthen local public safety efforts.

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

Researchers and research institutions conducting imaging studies on Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases can apply for funding to advance novel imaging tools and data analysis. Grants from the Alzheimer’s Association help South Dakota dementia and Alzheimer’s disease researchers access up to US $200,000 for early-stage pilot imaging projects over one year.

Researchers studying aging, Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementias in South Dakota can apply for National Institute on Aging R01 funding to investigate mechanisms linking olfactory decline with these conditions. Focused on circuit-level and mechanistic work, projects may use human older adults or animal models and diverse cellular, molecular, imaging, physiological, or omics approaches.

South Dakota Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers can apply for funding to study cerebellar contributions to cognitive and affective functions in healthy aging and in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Focused on cerebellar physiology, neuroanatomy, data analyses, and intervention targets, the National Institutes of Health will support R01 projects using human or animal models and existing datasets.

Families needing in-home respite care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias can apply for the Margaret B. Moeller Memorial Fund, which awards US $200 - US $3,000 to pay for home care companions, aides, or similar support. Although the fund serves the Boyertown Area School District, South Dakota caregivers may find this model informative.

South Dakota Alzheimer’s and dementia research organizations conducting preclinical drug discovery may be eligible for this upcoming opportunity supporting novel therapeutic targets. Local dementia and aging researchers can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to validate Alzheimer’s and related dementia targets and advance early-stage small molecule, biologic, or emerging therapeutic candidates.

Nonprofit research institutions studying neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias can seek funding to investigate how exposomic factors affect ADRD pathology and resilience, including work relevant to South Dakota. National Institutes of Health supports mechanistic, translational, and human subjects research on environmental toxins, sleep, stress, and related pathways across the lifespan, excluding NIH-defined clinical trials.

Research institutions and teams studying dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in South Dakota can apply for National Institutes of Health funding to functionally validate new therapeutic targets. This phased award supports technology and model development, then rigorous cross-validation of target modulation effects to de-risk future translational research on Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias.

Research institutions and affiliated organizations in South Dakota studying dementia and Alzheimer’s care pathways or early detection can apply for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Health Services Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders program, with awards up to US $250,000. Funding supports rigorous health services research on detection, diagnosis, and post-diagnostic dementia 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 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.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is inviting applications for the Alzheimer's Drug-Development Program (U01 Clinical Trial Optional). This initiative seeks to support pre-clinical and early-stage clinical development of innovative drug candidates aimed at preventing Alzheimer's disease or treating its symptoms. The program encourages collaboration among researchers and aims to enhance the therapeutic pipeline for AD through targeted approaches. This notice allows potential applicants time to prepare robust projects.

The BJA FY 2026 Kevin and Avonte Program aims to reduce the injuries and fatalities of individuals with dementia and developmental disabilities who wander from safe environments. This funding opportunity supports law enforcement and public safety agencies in implementing locative technologies to track missing individuals and develop programs that enhance safety and facilitate rescues, ultimately ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations.

The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) aims to foster the development of dementia-capable community health worker programs within the National Aging Network. This initiative, supported by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living (ACL), seeks to enhance dementia screening, reduce barriers to care, and improve access to essential services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. By integrating community health workers into aging services, the program aspires to elevate the quality of life for those affected.

The Barney Family Foundation Grant focuses on improving early education and advancing medical research, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer’s. It supports organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to enhance children's life experiences and educational opportunities for those in grades K-8. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing established entities while welcoming startups. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status, and the Foundation does not fund individual requests or political activities.

The ADDF-Harrington Scholar Program aims to transform academic discoveries into effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With funding of up to $600,000 annually, this program prioritizes innovative drug targets and supports research from hit-to-lead optimization to IND-enabling studies. Eligible applicants include academic investigators with a strong potential to advance meaningful therapeutics. The program emphasizes collaboration with industry experts, making it a significant opportunity for advancing dementia research.