Large-Scale Science Transition Funding Program (LSSTF)
Program overview
The Alzheimer's Association Large-Scale Science Transition Funding Program (LSSTF) supports Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research initiatives that were built on NIH cooperative awards and are moving to their next stage of development, pursuing new funding mechanisms, or adjusting their overall scale. LSSTF funds the transition itself: sustaining the science and the scientific team through the change. Funds may support scientific continuity (retaining key investigators and study personnel through a funding gap), study continuity (sustaining data collection, biospecimen handling and study operations), and diversification planning (developing co-funding, industry, or philanthropic support).
Applicants must be associated with an NIH U01, U19, U24 or U54 award (or equivalent) that supports a major AD/ADRD research initiative and that is either active or lapsed within the 12 months preceding the pre-submission query deadline. LSSTF can be awarded only one time per award. It is not a mechanism for new scientific projects, for expansion of an initiative's scope, or for bridge support without a stated endpoint or plan.
Grant RFA
View program objectives, eligibility, submission process and more.
Grant Application
LSSTF begins with a pre-submission query, submitted by email. Applicants with approved queries will be invited to submit a full application.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be associated with an active, or recently lapsed, NIH U01, U19, U24 or U54 award (or equivalent) supporting a major AD/ADRD research initiative. Documentation of the underlying award is required at the pre-submission stage.
- There is no restriction on academic rank or career stage, including postdoctoral fellows, provided the U-award condition is met.
- Apart from Veterans Administration hospitals, state and federal government-appropriated laboratories are not eligible to serve as the applicant institution.
- Full eligibility criteria are detailed in the RFA.
Key dates and deadlines
- Pre-submission queries accepted: Oct. 19, 2026 through Dec. 15, 2026 – 5 p.m. ET
- Full application due: Six weeks from the date of invitation
- Award notifications: Within six weeks of review completion
Funding overview
- Awards range from $200,000 to $1,000,000.
- Project duration is up to 12 months, with the period of performance beginning within three months of award notification.
- Indirect costs are not allowed.
- Salary requested for any individual is subject to the NIH salary cap in effect at the time of application.
Application process
Step 1: Submit a pre-submission query (required)
- Email your query to Heather Snyder, Ph.D., at hsnyder@alz.org, with a cc to grantsapp@alz.org.
- Queries are due by 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 15, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Principal investigator name(s), contact information, current academic rank or position and lead institution
- Underlying U award details: award number, mechanism, awarding NIH institute or funder, project period and current status
- Current total annual budget of the initiative and the portion at risk
- A brief description (two to three paragraphs) of the initiative’s scientific goals and scope
- Intended use of LSSTF funds across scientific continuity, study continuity and diversification planning
- Association staff scientists review queries for applicant eligibility and a clear plan for the initiative’s path forward.
Step 2: Full application (by invitation only)
- Applicants with approved queries are invited to apply. The contact PI receives a link to submit through ProposalCentral.
- Invited applicants have six weeks from the date of invitation to submit.
- Do not submit an application unless Alzheimer's Association staff have emailed you an invitation, even if the opportunity appears in your ProposalCentral account.
Application review process
- Please see the How to Apply for a Research Grant page for more information about the Alzheimer’s Association application review process.
Additional information
- For more information on eligibility, application requirements, review criteria, and more, please see the RFA.
- All applicants and institutions are strongly encouraged to review the Conditions of Award to confirm they are able to accept them if awarded.
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.
Nondiscrimination and harassment statement
The Alzheimer's Association is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and discrimination. The Alzheimer's Association strictly prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race; creed; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; age; Veteran status; citizenship status; marital status; physical or mental disabilities; pregnancy, gender identity or expression (including transgender status); genetic information; and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Contact information
Please contact grantsapp@alz.org with any questions.