Program overview

The ALZ AI-BOND Pilot Awards support AI-BOND alumni and scholars in advancing data analysis capacity in brain health, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in Africa. This invitation-only pilot leverages the overlapping missions of the Alzheimer’s Association and the African Initiative for Bioinformatics Online Training in Neurodegenerative Diseases (AI-BOND) program to advance AD/ADRD research led by African scientists. Projects must use a bioinformatics-focused secondary data analysis approach, with preference for proposals that elevate African data sets or Africa-specific questions.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be either currently enrolled in or have successfully completed the AI-BOND training program.
• Applicants must be considered full-time employees or students by their institution.
• Only one primary PI is allowed per proposal; multiple PIs are not permitted, though collaborators and key personnel may be included.
• Non-profit public or private research laboratories, medical centers, hospitals, and universities are eligible to apply. For-profit and government-appropriated laboratories are not eligible.
• Full eligibility criteria are detailed in the RFA.

Key dates and deadlines

All deadlines are 5 p.m. ET. Late submissions will not be accepted.

• Letter of Intent launch: by June 15, 2026
• Letter of Intent due: July 31, 2026 – 5 p.m. ET
• Full application due: Oct. 7, 2026 – 5 p.m. ET
• Application review: October–November 2026
• Award notifications: by Dec. 30, 2026

Funding overview

• Each AI-BOND award is limited to a maximum of $16,500 USD total funding.
• Project duration: minimum one year, maximum two years.
• Indirect costs are capped at 10% of total direct costs and are inclusive of indirect costs for the implementing institution as well as for any subcontracts.
• Detailed guidelines on allowed costs are included in the RFA.

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.

Application review process

• Please see “how to apply” for more information about the Alzheimer’s Association application review process. Details are also available in the RFA.

Additional information

• For more information on eligibility, application requirements, review criteria, and more, please see the RFA.
• All applicants/institutions are strongly encouraged to review the Conditions of Award before submitting an LOI.
• More information on the AI-BOND program is available at AIBOND.org.

U.S. Sanctions:

Alzheimer’s Association grants are generally open to scientists and researchers across the globe; however, as a U.S.-based charity, the Alzheimer’s Association is subject to, and complies with, U.S. law. As a result, the Alzheimer’s Association cannot award, and will not award, grants in violation of applicable U.S. statutes and regulations. This means, among other things, that the Alzheimer’s Association cannot, and will not, fund any individual or entity (i) that is subject to U.S. comprehensive or targeted sanctions or if awarding funding would result in a violation of such sanctions, (ii) that is on the U.S. List of Specially Designated Nationals or entities owned or controlled by such persons, or (iii) when doing so is otherwise prohibited by U.S. laws related to combating terrorism.

Contact information

Please contact grantsapp@alz.org with any questions.

The Alzheimer’s Association is excited to partner with the AI-BOND team on this unique funding program, and is open to discussions for future iterations of this funding program that engage other training programs with specific areas of focus and goals on their training objectives. To elevate a potential program for consideration, please email grantsapp@alz.org.