Dementia Care and Caregiver Support Intervention Research - Stage I Only

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Aging (NIA), has announced a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Dementia Care and Caregiver Support Intervention Research - Stage I Only." This funding opportunity is designed to support early-stage research projects that develop behavioral interventions targeting individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD), as well as their caregivers or care partners. The NIA's mission is to support and conduct genetic, biological, clinical, behavioral, social, and economic research on aging and the special problems and needs of older people. This initiative aligns with the agency’s focus on advancing aging research to improve care for individuals affected by dementia and to support the well-being of their caregivers. The primary objective of this grant is to encourage NIH Stage Model Stage I applications focused on developing or adapting behavioral interventions that are principle-based and mechanism-focused. Successful applications will work toward establishing the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention while developing procedures to ensure fidelity of implementation. These foundational elements are crucial to laying the groundwork for subsequent, later-stage clinical trials. The NOFO will utilize the R34 activity code, which is commonly used to support planning and development activities necessary before larger-scale clinical trials can begin. Spending for this grant will be restricted to research and development activities appropriate to Stage I behavioral intervention research. This includes activities such as refining or adapting existing interventions, pilot testing, developing manuals and fidelity protocols, and assessing feasibility and acceptability. The grant does not currently provide specifics on allowable or disallowed costs beyond the typical constraints associated with NIH R34 funding opportunities. Additional guidance will be available in the final NOFO when published. The opportunity is open to a broad range of eligible applicants. These include state governments, county governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and other tribal organizations), public housing authorities, small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). This expansive eligibility structure reflects the NIH's interest in promoting diverse participation from a variety of sectors with the potential to advance care for persons with dementia. As of now, this is a forecasted opportunity. Applications are not being solicited at this time, and no funding amounts or ceiling/floor limits have been specified. The estimated post date for the official NOFO is November 1, 2025. The expected application due date is February 16, 2026. Awards are projected to be made by December 1, 2026, with funded projects also beginning on December 1, 2026. The fiscal year for this opportunity is 2027. This provides potential applicants with a generous lead time to develop meaningful collaborations and prepare responsive and competitive applications. For further information or technical questions, applicants are directed to contact Dr. Melissa Riddle at the National Institute on Aging. She can be reached via email at melissa-riddle@nih.gov or by phone at 301-480-6761. Given the early nature of this funding notice, organizations are encouraged to start planning and engaging with relevant stakeholders as early as possible to ensure readiness when the formal application window opens.