Addressing Dementia in Tribal and Urban Indian Communities: Enhancing Sustainable Models of Care

The "Addressing Dementia in Tribal and Urban Indian Communities: Enhancing Sustainable Models of Care" program is a planned funding initiative by the Indian Health Service (IHS), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This forecasted opportunity (HHS-2025-IHS-ALZ-0002) is aimed at improving dementia care services within Tribal and Urban Indian communities through culturally tailored and sustainable models of care. With anticipated funding availability in fiscal year 2025, the program seeks to enhance service capacity, integrate sustainable practices, and promote effective models for dementia care specifically tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous populations. The program intends to issue up to eight cooperative agreements, with each award ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 and an estimated total funding of $1.6 million. The initiative focuses on a range of activities designed to expand and sustain culturally relevant dementia care services. Key objectives include increasing local capacity for comprehensive dementia care, introducing and expanding services within clinical environments, supporting long-term sustainability through careful planning and evaluation, and documenting emerging practices within Tribal and Urban Indian Health programs to encourage knowledge sharing and model replication. Eligible applicants are federally recognized Native American Tribal governments and organizations, as defined by U.S. codes, and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) that meet specific criteria under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Applicants must provide letters of support or Tribal Resolutions from the tribes served, along with proof of nonprofit status for UIOs, where applicable. These eligibility requirements aim to ensure that the recipients are deeply integrated with and representative of the communities they will serve. This program places a strong emphasis on culturally appropriate care models, leveraging local knowledge to create effective and responsive care systems. It seeks to build resilience and support within communities by enhancing the capabilities of health organizations that provide dementia care, ultimately aiming to create replicable and sustainable practices that align with both cultural and clinical standards in Indigenous communities. Currently, no specific application deadline has been posted, as this is still a forecasted opportunity. Further information and application materials will be made available through Grants.gov once the program is officially open. Potential applicants are encouraged to stay updated on Grants.gov for the formal release and final application details. For questions or additional guidance, the Indian Health Service’s Division of Grants Management can be contacted at 301-443-5204.