Public Health Strategies to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: The National Healthy Brain Initiative, BOLD Public Health Centers of Excellence, and Public Health Adoption Accelerator
🏛 Centers for Disease Control - NCCDPHP
Can you apply?
This grant is for national organizations working on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) public health strategies. Applicants may be nonprofits, universities, research institutions, state/local health departments, and Indian health organizations. Organizations must have capacity to implement evidence-based programs, develop training materials, conduct surveillance work, or scale effective ADRD interventions nationally. This is a federal cooperative agreement supporting three distinct components: National Healthy Brain Initiative coordination, Centers of Excellence for specialized focus areas, or an Adoption Accelerator program.
Key dates
- Mar 19, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 1, 2026 Application deadline in 30 days
- Aug 29, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2026 Project start
This grant is for national organizations working on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) public health strategies. Applicants may be nonprofits, universities, research institutions, state/local health departments, and Indian health organizations. Organizations must have capacity to implement evidence-based programs, develop training materials, conduct surveillance work, or scale effective ADRD interventions nationally. This is a federal cooperative agreement supporting three distinct components: National Healthy Brain Initiative coordination, Centers of Excellence for specialized focus areas, or an Adoption Accelerator program.
Program description
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive condition. It begins with mild memory loss and may lead to the inability to communicate or respond to one’s environment. Its prevalence is rising with the aging U.S. population. In 2021, it was the 5th leading cause of death for those 65 and older, with death rates continuing to climb.
The CDC Alzheimer’s Disease Program, through the National Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) and funded partners, promotes brain health, addresses cognitive impairment, and supports caregivers using evidence-based approaches. This funding opportunity aligns with the HBI Road Map Series (including the State and Local Road Map 2023–2027 and the Road Map for Indian Country) and fulfills the aims of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L. 115-406).
Funding Structure:
Component 1: National Healthy Brain Initiative: Funds up to two (2) organizations to develop and implement public health strategies guided by the HBI Road Map Series. Funded organizations will:
- Develop evidence-informed training for health care and public health professionals on ADRD and caregiving.
- Expand the availability and use of public health surveillance data, including adaptation & revision of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) subjective cognitive decline and caregiver optional modules.
- Facilitate the coordination of recipients and national partners to address ADRD.
- Funding range: $2,500,000 to $3,000,000 per 12-month budget period.
Component 2: BOLD Public Health Centers of Excellence: Funds three (3) Centers, each specializing in one of three topic-specific areas: dementia risk reduction, early detection and management of dementia, or dementia caregiving. Centers will:
- Support the needs of the BOLD public health program and other public health agencies.
- Identify, disseminate, and promote best practices.
- Translate promising research into practical tools and resources.
- Increase professional education and develop materials to address specific individual needs to improve health outcomes.
- Funding range: $750,000 to $1,000,000 per 12-month budget period.
Component 3: ADRD Public Health Adoption Accelerator. Funds up to two (2) organizations to serve as public health strategy adaptation accelerator programs. This means using dissemination and implementation of science to spread and put into practice effective public health strategies, tools, and resources to tackle ADRD. Organizations will:
- Collaborate with CDC and other organizations to create a prioritized list of ADRD approaches & strategies.
- Use proven strategies to engage partners, health care organizations, and policymakers to enhance uptake and implementation, accelerating the impact of ADRD efforts.
- Provide technical assistance to Component 1 & 2 recipients.
- Funding range: $750,000 – $1,200,000 per 12-month budget period.
Applicants may apply for multiple components, but must submit a separate application per component.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for national organizations working on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) public health strategies. Applicants may be nonprofits, universities, research institutions, state/local health departments, and Indian health organizations. Organizations must have capacity to implement evidence-based programs, develop training materials, conduct surveillance work, or scale effective ADRD interventions nationally. This is a federal cooperative agreement supporting three distinct components: National Healthy Brain Initiative coordination, Centers of Excellence for specialized focus areas, or an Adoption Accelerator program.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Letters of Support/Commitment from partners
- Organizational Chart
- Resumes of key personnel
- Evidence of 501(c)(3) status (if nonprofit)
Program contact
- 👤 Dr. Machell Town
- 📧 dphnofos@cdc.gov
- 📞 000-000-0000
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.334 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$17,025,598
-
$4,440,922
-
$3,486,856
-
$3,392,610
-
$2,142,626
-
$1,850,000
-
$1,550,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
Top States by Funding
- IL 5 awards $26.3M
- MN 3 awards $6.0M
- NY 3 awards $5.7M
- MD 2 awards $3.6M
- CA 4 awards $3.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.334). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $22,839,357 | |
| 2025 | $25,444,049 | |
| 2026 est. | $25,444,049 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
National organizations with expertise in public health, ADRD, aging, research translation, or implementation science. State and local health departments and tribal organizations are also eligible. Academic institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies may submit applications.
What are the three funding components?
Component 1 funds national HBI coordination ($2.5M–$3M annually). Component 2 funds three Centers of Excellence in dementia risk reduction, early detection, or caregiving ($750K–$1M each). Component 3 funds up to two Adoption Accelerators to spread effective strategies ($750K–$1.2M each).
Can I apply for multiple components?
Yes, applicants may apply for multiple components in a single submission. However, each component has distinct objectives and funding levels, so applications must address the specific goals of each.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is July 1, 2026 (fixed). This is a cooperative agreement, so funded organizations will work collaboratively with CDC throughout the project period.
What types of activities are funded?
Funding supports training development, surveillance data expansion, best-practice dissemination, implementation science, technical assistance, and scaling of evidence-based ADRD public health approaches. Staff salaries, equipment, and program activities are allowable costs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your proposal with the HBI Road Map Series and BOLD Infrastructure Act priorities. CDC reviewers prioritize applications that directly support existing national initiatives.
- Clearly specify which component(s) you are applying for and explain your unique capacity in that specific area. Mixed applications can be confusing if not well-organized.
- Emphasize dissemination, implementation science, or scale-up capability over basic research. This is a public health program, not a research program.
- Include letters of commitment from partners (state health departments, health systems, tribal nations) who will use your outputs. Demonstrated partnerships strengthen competitiveness.
- Start building your CDC project officer relationship early. Reach out 3–4 months before the deadline to discuss your concept and ensure alignment.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Focusing primarily on research or clinical care rather than public health strategy, surveillance, or dissemination. Not clearly aligning project goals with HBI Road Map priorities and BOLD Act objectives. Submitting a generic aging or dementia proposal without specific focus on implementation science and national-level adoption acceleration.
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