Discover Funding Opportunities in Alzheimer's Research
NACC supports researchers through strategic funding partnerships. We primarily offer funding for new and early career investigators through our New Investigator Award Program (NIAP) in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association. We also partner with organizations like Gates Ventures to support domain-focused initiatives, such as our recent Digital Biomarker Pilot Program.
Additional funding opportunities are featured in the NACC Navigator newsletter and on social media. We welcome new funding partnerships that advance AD/ADRD research and support the research community.
NACC's Current Funding Programs
NEW INVESTIGATOR AWARD PROGRAM (NIAP)
The New Investigator Award Program (NIAP), offered in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association, supports early-career investigators pursuing innovative research in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD). This prestigious program provides both funding and mentorship to help launch independent research careers.
Program Highlights:
- Ten or more awards available annually at $135,000 in direct costs each
- One- to two-year project duration
- Comprehensive mentorship throughout the application process
- Support for innovative research across the full spectrum of AD/ADRD studies
NIAP reflects our shared commitment with the Alzheimer's Association and ADRCs to empower the next generation of AD/ADRD researchers. Whether you're developing your first independent project or expanding collaborative work within the ADRC network, NIAP can help advance your research career.
DIGITAL BIOMARKER PILOT PROGRAM
The Digital Biomarker Pilot Program, a partnership between Gates Ventures and NACC, accelerates digital innovation in AD/ADRD research and facilitates impactful collaborations between academia and industry. This program creates pathways for emerging technologies within the ADRC network while making all collected data freely available to researchers worldwide.
Program Highlights:
- Advance development and validation of digital biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, or monitoring
- Leverage technology to capture richer, more objective data with less burden on participants and ADRCs
- Integrate digital data with other standardized modalities at NACC for global research access
Two innovative digital biomarker projects were funded in 2025, marking a successful launch. Building on this momentum, NACC remains committed to continued investment in cutting-edge research that leverages emerging technologies, including drug repurposing algorithms, wearable devices and sensors, and AI-enabled analytical tools.
Additional Funding Resources
National Institute of Aging (NIA)
The NIH coordinates a wide array of funding opportunities and Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for ADRD research, spanning individual project grants (R01s), research training (T32s), and developmental pilot awards.
Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (ADDI)
The Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative accelerates treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by enabling data sharing, providing open-source analytical tools, and offering funding opportunities for innovative research. ADDI supports projects that advance data science approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and treating ADRD.
Alzheimer's Association Research Grants
As a key partner, the Alzheimer's Association is the world's largest non-profit funder of Alzheimer's and dementia research, with over $360 million in funding committed to over 1,000 projects in 53 countries.
BrightFocus Foundation
Alzheimer's Disease Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, drives innovative research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By providing initial funding for highly innovative, experimental research and creative ideas, they spark revolutionary approaches and life-saving breakthroughs.
ADRC Program Funding Opportunities
Individual Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers across our network of 36 centers offer collaborative funding and pilot study opportunities to support innovative ADRD research. These developmental grants provide critical seed funding for preliminary studies, new methodologies, and collaborative projects.
Examples of ADRC Funding Programs:
- Stanford ADRC Developmental Project Award - Up to $150,000 over three years for Stanford-affiliated researchers
- UC San Diego ADRC Development Project Grants - Two grants up to $100,000 for innovative ADRD research
- Arizona ADRC Developmental Project and Pilot Awards - Up to $60,000/year for Developmental Projects (12-24 months) and $30,000 for State Pilots (1 year)
- University of Washington ADRC Development Project Award - Up to $75,000 (plus support) for 1 year, renewable
- Boston University ADRC Pilot Grants - Two grants of $25,000 for 1-year projects
- Wake Forest ADRC Development Project & Pilot Grant Program - Supports preliminary data and resource development
- University of Pennsylvania ADRC Developmental Projects - Up to two pilot grants per cycle (pending funding)
Stay Conected with AD/ADRD Funding Opportunities
Subscribe to receive timely updates on funding opportunities, application deadlines, and resources designed to support your research career, including new funding announcements for NIAP, the Digital Biomarker Program, and emerging initiatives; reminders to help you plan ahead; workshops and webinars focused on grantsmanship and application preparation; early-career development opportunities across the ADRC network; and partner funding and collaborative research programs.