The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute on Aging (NIA), has reissued the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) RFA-AG-26-003 to support a National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) under the U24 Cooperative Agreement mechanism. This initiative aims to enhance biomedical, social, and behavioral research on Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), building on earlier directives and infrastructure since 1984. NACC will serve as a national data resource, a facilitator of research, and a communication hub for the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs).
NIH intends to allocate $16.56 million in FY 2026 for one award, with an annual direct cost cap of $10.35 million over a five-year project period. This award is designated for institutions capable of organizing national-level research coordination. While clinical trials are not allowed, the center will support wide-ranging data collection, integration, dissemination, and collaboration activities, including meetings, outreach, and data training programs. Key project components include administrative support, data infrastructure development, and consultation services.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, local and state governments, tribal entities, and more. However, foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, although U.S.-based organizations may include foreign components in their proposals. A unique entity identifier, SAM registration, eRA Commons registration, and Grants.gov registration are all required to apply.
Applications must be submitted through one of the approved NIH submission portals, with a Letter of Intent due by September 16, 2025. Full applications are due October 17, 2025. The earliest project start date is July 2026, following scientific and advisory reviews in March and May 2026, respectively. Participation in a pre-application webinar is encouraged but not mandatory.
Evaluation criteria include the proposed center's significance, innovation, approach, and environment, as well as the expertise and suitability of the principal investigators and teams. Reviewers will assess data harmonization strategies, administrative and leadership structure, training and outreach plans, and plans for soliciting Early Career Investigator awards. Scored and unscored criteria will influence the overall impact score.
Prospective applicants can direct scientific inquiries to Dr. Cerise Elliott (elliottce@nih.gov, 301-496-9350) and financial questions to Robin Laney (robin.laney@nih.gov, 301-496-1473). All applications must strictly conform to NIH policies, application guides, and the specific requirements detailed in the NOFO. Late applications will not be accepted, and the NOFO will expire on October 18, 2025.
