Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) - Developing Dementia-Capable Community Health Worker Programs in the National Aging Network

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), through its Administration on Aging (AoA), has announced a new grant opportunity under the Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) titled "Developing Dementia-Capable Community Health Worker Programs in the National Aging Network" (Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-ADPI-0012). This federal program is aimed at expanding and enhancing dementia-capable home and community-based services (HCBS) by building a trained workforce of Community Health Workers (CHWs) who can deliver evidence-based and evidence-informed interventions (EBI/EII) within the National Aging Network. The program specifically targets rural and underserved communities, where access to dementia-related care and services is often limited. ACL intends to award up to twelve cooperative agreements, each between $700,000 and $750,000 for a total of $9,000,000 in available funding. Projects will span 36 months across three 12-month budget periods. At least 25% of the total project cost must come from non-federal matching sources. CHW-led services must be integral to the program and should include dementia screening, delivery of EBI/EII, and efforts to address barriers to care. A phased approach will be used, starting with a planning phase lasting approximately six months during which only 15% of funding will be accessible. Full funding will be released after ACL approval of the work and evaluation plans. Eligible applicants are Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) or states designated as a single planning and service area under Section 305(a)(1)(E) of Title III of the Older Americans Act. Each application must include a plan for CHW training across several key areas, including core competencies, dementia-specific screening, and implementation of EBI/EII. Training participation is classified as direct service. No pass-through projects are permitted; subrecipients may not receive more than 20% of the total federal funds. Applicants are also expected to develop plans for evaluating outcomes using a third-party evaluator, and outcomes must cover impacts on individuals with dementia, caregivers, and CHWs. Letters of Intent are requested (not required) within 10 days of the funding opportunity announcement. The official application is due by July 30, 2025, via Grants.gov. An informational conference call will be held on July 9, 2025. Applications must include a 20-page project narrative (excluding work plan, budget, and appendices) and will be scored based on project relevance, approach, budget, project impact, and organizational capacity. Evaluation will involve both output and outcome metrics. Required components include pre/post assessments, satisfaction surveys, and a final evaluation report. Dissemination of project results is mandatory, and final materials must be public domain and posted to the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center (NADRC). For application support, the program officer is Kari Benson at aoa.oaa@acl.hhs.gov or (202) 401-4634. The anticipated project start date is September 1, 2025, with award announcements expected beforehand.

Ensure project narratives do not exceed 20 pages; include detailed training plans and third-party evaluation letters; meet the 25% match requirement; upload all documents via Grants.gov.