Alzheimer’s Disease Research Projects

The Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART) Fund is a private philanthropic initiative established in 1995 through the support of Rotary clubs in the southeastern United States and the American Federation of Aging Research. Its mission is to support innovative, early-stage Alzheimer's Disease (AD) research that could lead to major advances in diagnostics or treatments. CART distinguishes itself by focusing on exploratory and developmental projects that have not yet amassed substantial preliminary data, prioritizing bold ideas that could transform biomedical understanding of AD. Since its inception, CART has awarded over $15 million to research centers across the U.S. CART's funding is open exclusively to full-time faculty members at U.S.-based public or private research institutions, including universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories. Only new projects are eligible, and applicants must not be affiliated with for-profit entities or organizations outside the United States. Additionally, projects already receiving regular or program grant support are ineligible. The program awards 3–6 grants annually, including at least one top award of $500,000, with total direct costs capped at this amount and no allowance for indirect costs. The 2025–2026 application cycle begins with a required Letter of Intent (LOI), due December 5, 2025, which must detail the hypothesis, specific aims, methodology, and future research implications. Applicants must also include a PI bio, publication list, references, and contact page. CART emphasizes clarity and feasibility in the LOI, which is limited to specific page counts per section. A scientific review panel will assess all LOIs, selecting up to 15 finalists to submit full proposals by February 13, 2026. Final award decisions will be communicated by March 31, 2026. Beginning in 2026, CART will accept only one LOI per researcher per cycle. Submissions must be emailed in PDF format to skgoforth@gmail.com. The grant performance period can span up to two years. There is no required cost share or match for this opportunity. All applications must focus on new, conceptual research with high potential impact, distinct from established fields unless extending previous findings in new directions. The evaluation process is rigorous and handled by a team of distinguished neurodegenerative disease researchers. Their goal is to identify the most promising scientific efforts that could improve Alzheimer's diagnostics or treatments. The CART Grant Selection Committee makes the final award decisions. The program is recurring and follows a consistent annual application cycle. For inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Sarah K. Goforth at skgoforth@gmail.com. The CART Fund continues to be a valuable funding source for pioneering AD research. It is uniquely positioned to accelerate innovation by investing in early ideas that could reshape the future of Alzheimer’s science. Its focus on early-stage, high-risk research fills a critical gap in the funding landscape, enabling researchers to pursue transformative concepts with the potential for significant impact.

Emphasize importance and feasibility in LOI; submit best science as only one LOI is allowed per researcher starting 2026.