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Bridge Funding for Disrupted Neurodegenerative Research Grant Program (BFDN): Powering the Next Generation of Research

Alzheimer's Association

U.S. federal government-sponsored research funding has experienced a series of changes that challenges ongoing research initiatives and the future of the U.S. biomedical research enterprise.

This program specifically aims to ensure continuity of career support for early career researchers and researchers who are within seven years of their designation as an Early Stage Investigator (ESI) based on the NIH definition. This program will provide funding for salary and other direct costs for research projects.

Key dates and deadlines

LOI and application submissions must be received by 5 p.m. ET on their respective deadlines. Late submissions will not be accepted - no exceptions.

Letter of Intent due: July 30, 2026; Oct. 30, 2026; Jan. 29, 2027; April 30, 2027
Full application due: invited applicants will receive a specific submission deadline (within four weeks of the invitation) and instructions for application submission
Award notifications: within three months of LOI submission

Funding overview

Proposed budgets may vary but should not exceed US$250,000, although very rare and extraordinary circumstances may warrant a waiver of this requirement.
Investigators may apply for bridge funding spanning three to 12 months for U.S. and international projects impacted by changes in the federal funding landscape.
Institutions are required to commit to investment in the career and/or research of the application’s named principal investigator applying to this opportunity, as demonstrated by up to 25% cost share, which can include financial, protected time, or other types of support.

Application process

Letters of intent are required. More information can be found in the RFA and on ProposalCentral.
Full applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral (ALZ) or SmartSimple (MJFF).

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Organization	Alzheimer's Association
Organization type	Private, non-profit organization
Government/Federal or Non-Profit/Corporate	Non-profit; non-governmental funder. Alzheimer's Association
Primary research areas	Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, brain health, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and dementia care.
Major grant programs	International Research Grant Program, Research Fellowship for All, Research Grant for All, and Part the Cloud Translational Research Program. Alzheimer's Association
Previous success predictors	1. Scientific significance and clear research rationale. 2. Innovation and originality. 3. Alignment with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia priorities. 4. Strong experimental design and methodological rigor. 5. Investigator expertise and research team capability. 6. Preliminary data supporting feasibility, where appropriate. 7. Potential for clinical translation or improved dementia care. 8. Clear objectives and measurable outcomes. 9. Appropriate budget and timeline. 10. Eligibility compliance and a complete application. Alzheimer’s Association +1
Additional predictors for early-career awards	Career stage eligibility, research independence potential, mentoring support, and ability to generate preliminary data for future funding. Alzheimer's Association
Historical success rate	The Association reported that approximately 10–15% of full applications were awarded in recent cycles in a historical program announcement. This is not a verified current rate for every grant program. AASM Foundation

Excel-ready entry — Previous Success Predictors

Scientific significance; innovation; Alzheimer's disease and dementia relevance; methodological rigor; investigator track record; preliminary data; translational potential; clinical or care impact; clear objectives; feasibility; career stage; mentorship; budget justification; and eligibility compliance.

Specialties

Geriatrics & Gerontology

Neurosciences

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be within seven years of their designation as an Early Stage Investigator (ESI) based on the NIH definition.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate research disruption based on recent U.S. federal funding challenges and provide the federal agency review, communication, and/or summary statement demonstrating the delay as part of the application.
This program will not support projects that were not funded due to specific payline cutoffs.
Full eligibility criteria are detailed in the RFA.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Alzheimer's Association

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 800.272.3900

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