The Alzheimer’s Awareness Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Aging and Healthy Communities Unit, aims to fund public information campaigns that raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The program focuses on reaching communities disproportionately affected by underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, American Indians, people living with disabilities, and residents in Greater Minnesota. This funding opportunity seeks to promote early detection, highlight the benefits of cognitive testing, and educate the public about the differences between normal cognitive aging and dementia.

Organizations awarded the grant will design and disseminate materials for a statewide public information campaign. These materials should emphasize the importance of discussing cognitive health with healthcare providers and provide information on the early warning signs of cognitive impairment. Projects must demonstrate implementation-ready strategies and effective approaches to reaching underserved communities. Up to four grants will be awarded, with funding amounts ranging from $20,000 to $80,000. The grant period runs from March 3, 2025, to June 30, 2025, during which grantees will implement their work plans.

Key dates for the grant process include an informational webinar on January 13, 2025, the deadline for submitting questions on January 15, 2025, and the application deadline on February 5, 2025, by 11:59 PM Central Time. Award notifications are expected on February 10, 2025. Applicants must prepare a detailed proposal including a project plan, budget, due diligence, conflict of interest forms, and work samples that demonstrate their ability to create impactful public awareness campaigns.

Applications must be submitted by email to health.healthybrain@state.mn.us. The grant materials, including the Request for Proposals (RFP) document and required attachments, provide clear guidance on the application process. Applicants are encouraged to attend the webinar for further clarification and support in preparing their proposals. For additional information, questions must be submitted to MDH by the specified deadline to ensure a fair and transparent process.