Best Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Grants in Ohio

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.

Ohio nonprofit member organizations of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America can access funding for new or existing programs serving individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s or related dementias. This bi-annual grant provides US $6,000 for eligible expenses such as staff salaries, training, occupancy, and supplies, supporting dementia-focused services and education nationwide.

Universities, research institutions, and similar organizations in Ohio and other U.S. locations can access funding to run postbaccalaureate research education programs in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $400,000 for one- to two-year intensive AD/ADRD research and professional development experiences for recent graduates.

Nonprofit and academic organizations offering Alzheimer’s and dementia research education in Ohio can apply for up to US $200,000 to run summer programs for high school students, undergraduates, or science teachers. With a mission to expand the AD/ADRD research workforce, National Institutes of Health supports hands-on STEM experiences and complementary educational activities that build future investigators.

Ohio dementia and Alzheimer’s disease researchers can access funding through the Alzheimer’s Association’s AARGA program to support early-career, newly independent investigators. Grants of US $70,000 - US $200,000 fund preliminary or pilot work across basic, translational, clinical, psychosocial, neuroimaging, epidemiology, care intervention, or health equity studies, and are open to U.S. and international applicants.

Ohio nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status working on dementia and brain degenerative disease care can apply for support from the Sephardic Home for the Aged Foundation. Projects should advance care, support, and quality of life for older adults with dementia, and applicants must have operated for at least two years and submit an LOI first.

Postdoctoral researchers conducting Alzheimer’s and dementia-related research in Ohio can receive up to US $200,000 to advance understanding, diagnosis, or treatment. The Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship for All supports early-career scientists working under established mentors, with individuals from underrepresented groups especially encouraged to apply.

Clinician scientists conducting dementia and Alzheimer’s research in Ohio can apply for fellowships supporting training and career development, with awards up to US $250,000. Grants from Alzheimer’s Association help licensed, practicing clinicians in fields such as neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, psychology, neuropathology, or radiology build research careers in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, with encouragement for applicants from underrepresented groups.

With a mission to support those affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides Ohio Alzheimer’s-related nonprofits that are AFA member organizations with US $25,000 for innovative programs improving life for individuals and families. Funding can cover program-related admin costs, staff salaries and training, travel, occupancy, supplies, and equipment.

Public safety agencies running dementia wandering prevention and safety programs in Ohio can apply for grants supporting administrative costs, staff training, equipment, and community education. Focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers the Project Lifesaver International Grant, awarding about US $6,000 twice a year to eligible member agencies.

Nonprofit organizations providing Alzheimer’s and dementia respite care in Ohio 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 may benefit Ohio programs that assist caregivers and individuals living with dementia.

Research institutions and teams conducting imaging studies on Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in Ohio can apply for grants supporting early-stage pilot projects and innovative imaging data analysis. Grants from the Alzheimer’s Association help U.S. dementia and Alzheimer’s researchers with up to US $200,000 over one year to advance novel imaging tools and methods.

Research institutions and investigators studying aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias in Ohio can access funding via the National Institutes of Health to investigate mechanisms linking olfactory decline with AD/ADRD. Projects may use human or animal models and cellular, molecular, imaging, physiological, omics, or other innovative methodologies to address key research gaps.

Researchers studying dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in aging populations can apply for National Institute on Aging R01 funding to investigate cerebellar roles in cognition and emotion, including potential intervention targets. Focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s research, this opportunity supports basic, animal, human, and secondary data studies across the U.S., including Ohio.

Families needing in-home Alzheimer’s or dementia care in the Boyertown Area School District can apply for Berks County Community Foundation’s Margaret B. Moeller Memorial Fund, with awards from US $200 - US $3,000 for respite companions or aides. Ohio organizations may note this as a model of direct caregiving support funding.

Ohio Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers can access funding through the National Institutes of Health for preclinical validation and early-stage drug discovery targeting Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Eligible investigators in the U.S. and territories may propose small molecule, biologic, or emerging therapeutic approaches focused on novel AD/ADRD targets under this upcoming NIA U01 opportunity.

Research institutions and collaborative consortia studying mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias can apply for National Institutes of Health support, including teams in Ohio. This NINDS “Center without Walls” initiative backs interdisciplinary networks using advanced technologies and clinical resources to uncover ADRD mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and biomarkers; applications are not yet being solicited.

Research institutions studying how environmental and neural exposome factors affect Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias may be eligible for this National Institutes of Health opportunity, open to U.S. and territory-based teams, including Ohio. Projects should examine synergistic effects of exposures on ADRD mechanisms and resilience, potentially across the lifespan and including factors driving neurological health disparities.

Research institutions and teams conducting dementia and Alzheimer’s disease studies in Ohio and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can apply for National Institutes of Health phased awards to validate new therapeutic targets. Funding supports technology and model development, then rigorous, multi-lab cross-validation to de-risk future translational research on Alzheimer’s Disease–Related Dementias.

Research institutions and eligible organizations in Ohio studying dementia and Alzheimer’s disease 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 and supports rigorous, innovative health services research.

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 conducting Alzheimer’s disease studies in Ohio may be eligible for BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grants, awarding US $200,000 - US $300,000 for pioneering projects. Funding supports innovative basic or translational research that advances understanding, prevention, or treatment of Alzheimer’s, with encouragement for applicants from underrepresented groups.