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Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program

Alzheimer's Association

The Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) program supports early-career investigators based in Kentucky who are working on Alzheimer's and all other dementias. This program is open only to investigators based at an eligible Kentucky organization.

Program overview

Research questions may address the full spectrum of scientific discovery that advances Alzheimer's and dementia research and must be strongly relevant to the needs of people living in Kentucky. This includes, but is not limited to:

Basic and translational science, spanning areas such as molecular underpinnings of disease, neuropathology, biomarker discovery, and drug discovery and development.
Clinical and drug development research, such as studies examining the real-world effects of disease-modifying therapies on disease progression in Kentucky populations.
Health disparities and rural health research addressing the needs of Kentucky's Appalachian communities, where access to specialists and clinical trials is limited.
Implementation science — research on how to effectively deliver and scale evidence-based dementia interventions in real-world Kentucky settings.
Population and public health research using Kentucky-specific data to inform prevention, risk-reduction, or care-delivery strategies tailored to the Commonwealth.

Key dates and deadlines

Letter of Intent due: Dec. 1, 2026 – 5 p.m. ET (Dec. 3 for ISTAART members)
Full application due: Feb. 2, 2027 – 5 p.m. ET (Feb. 4 for ISTAART members)
Award notifications: by April 30, 2027

Funding overview

This program is funded through the Commonwealth of Kentucky's 2026–2028 HB 900 appropriation. The Alzheimer's Association will offer up to five awards of up to $160,000 in total direct and indirect costs over two years, with indirect costs capped at 15% of direct costs, including subcontract indirect costs. Funds are distributed through the applicant's institution.

Application process

Letters of intent are required and undergo blinded review; no personally identifiable information may appear in the LOI. More information can be found in the RFA and on ProposalCentral.
Full applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral.
All applicants and institutions are strongly encouraged to review the Conditions of Award provided at the time of full application to confirm they are able to accept if awarded.

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

Open only to investigators based at an eligible Kentucky organization (see below).
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or equivalent) and have received it — or completed post-residency training — no more than 10 years before the LOI deadline.
State- and federal-government-appropriated laboratories and for-profit organizations may not serve as the applicant institution.
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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