Dementia CAReS Grants for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

The Dementia CAReS Grants for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities program is a forecasted funding opportunity from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Indian Health Service. It is designed to strengthen dementia care and related services for American Indian and Alaska Native people, with a focus on culturally appropriate approaches rooted in Indigenous values and community self-determination. This initiative aims to support both Tribal and Urban Indian communities in delivering measurable improvements across the entire continuum of dementia care, from early recognition and diagnosis to caregiver support and end-of-life care. The program falls under the Assistance Listing 93.933 for Demonstration Projects for Indian Health. The funding will be provided through discretionary grants and is expected to support approximately 16 awards. The estimated total program funding is $3,750,000, although the maximum and minimum award amounts for individual recipients have not been specified at this stage. Funds are intended for projects that demonstrate meaningful, measurable, and sustainable changes in dementia care within eligible communities. Eligibility for the program is limited to specific groups: Native American tribal organizations other than Federally recognized tribal governments, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and Urban Indian organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29) that are currently administering a contract or receiving an award under 25 U.S.C. 1653. Urban Indian organizations must be nonprofit corporate bodies located in urban centers, governed by urban Indian-controlled boards of directors, and capable of cooperating with other entities to perform program activities. Proof of nonprofit status is required for Urban Indian organization applicants. The forecasted application process is expected to open on March 2, 2026, with a projected application due date of June 1, 2026. This due date is tentative and subject to change when the official notice and application package are posted on Grants.gov. The estimated award date is August 1, 2026, and funded projects are anticipated to start on September 1, 2026. As this is a forecasted opportunity, no applications are currently being accepted, and all deadlines are estimates pending the final notice. Applicants will need to submit their applications through the designated federal grants platform once the opportunity becomes active. The specific application requirements, evaluation criteria, and allowable expenses will be detailed in the final notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the Indian Health Service Division of Grants Management website and Grants.gov for updates and instructions. For further information, applicants may contact the Division of Grants Management at the Indian Health Service by phone at 301-443-5204 or by email at dgm@ihs.gov. Additional program details will be posted online at the IHS funding webpage as the opportunity progresses from forecasted to active status.