DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Diagnosis Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions seeking to develop innovative diagnostic tools and methodologies for Alzheimer's disease. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, nonprofit research organizations, and for-profit companies with research capabilities. Domestic institutions must be located in the U.S. The grant supports basic and applied research focused on early detection, diagnostic biomarkers, and novel diagnostic approaches for Alzheimer's disease.
This is a competitive research grant administered by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRAA). Applicants must demonstrate scientific merit and feasibility of their proposed research projects. Foreign entities may be eligible with appropriate partnerships or agreements.
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) Transforming Diagnosis Award (TrDA) supports non-incremental, solutions-oriented research that reduces or overcomes important barriers to obtaining a diagnosis, meaningful disease monitoring and accurate prognosis.
Distinctive Features:
- Clinical research is allowed, however clinical trials and animal research are prohibited.
- Preliminary data are required.
- Community collaboration is required for studies prospectively enrolling human subjects.
- Study Population: The AZRP encourages studies to leverage existing cohorts/datasets. Cohorts consisting of individuals 65 years or younger are also encouraged.
- Career Initiation or Transition (CIT) Partnership Option: The TrDA includes an option for more than one PI and supports both new and existing collaborative partnerships. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named on separate awards to the recipient organization(s). If utilizing this option, at least one independent investigator must meet the CIT Partnership Option eligibility requirements at the time of application submission.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 R&R (Research and Related Activities)
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Letters of Support/Commitment
- Institutional Certifications and Assurances
Program contact
- 👤 JoAnn Martin Grantor
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 301-619-2594
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.420 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,265,729,366
-
$800,631,761
-
$74,531,880
-
$67,205,571
-
$53,718,832
-
$34,191,124
-
$24,907,742
-
$21,394,379
-
$19,100,256
-
$19,002,641
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $3,150.1M
- NC 11 awards $132.3M
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- CA 11 awards $99.3M
- MA 7 awards $75.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.420). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,483,968,520 | |
| 2025 | $1,201,153,417 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Research institutions, universities, nonprofits, and for-profit companies with research infrastructure can apply. Principal investigators must have appropriate credentials and institutional affiliation.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 24, 2026. Applications open May 1, 2026.
What types of research are supported?
Funded projects focus on innovative diagnostic development for Alzheimer's disease, including biomarker discovery, early detection methods, and diagnostic tools.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a highly competitive federal research grant. Proposals must demonstrate scientific innovation and strong preliminary data.
What funding amounts are typical?
Army research grants vary by program phase. Check the funding opportunity announcement for specific budget limits and allowable costs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the full funding opportunity announcement for specific eligibility criteria and research priorities set by USAMRAA.
- Build your research team early with collaborators who have Alzheimer's expertise and access to patient samples or data.
- Include strong preliminary data showing feasibility of your diagnostic approach and potential clinical impact.
- Detail how your work aligns with Army health priorities and could benefit military personnel or the broader population.
- Budget conservatively and ensure all costs are justified and allowable under federal research guidelines.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague or overly broad research aims without clear focus on diagnostic innovation. Insufficient preliminary data to support feasibility claims. Misunderstanding Army-specific priorities or failing to explain relevance to military health needs.
Similar grants
- OPEN Strengthening U.S. Market Mastery and Investment Ties (SUMMIT) — U.S. Mission to Jordan
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Rangeland Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN Infertility Training Center — Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health