The CART (Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Research Targets) program aims to advance innovative and developmental Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research projects within the United States. Its focus is on supporting early-stage projects that, while not yet backed by extensive preliminary data, hold significant potential to advance biomedical research. Projects designed to extend previous findings in new directions or applications are also encouraged. Since its inception in 1999, CART has awarded over $13 million to research centers across the U.S., fostering progress in the field of Alzheimer’s research.

The CART program invites Letters-of-Intent (LOIs) from full-time faculty or equivalent professionals at U.S.-based institutions, including universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories. Applicants should outline the significance and feasibility of their proposed study, emphasizing innovative approaches to Alzheimer’s research. The initiative does not accept applications from for-profit organizations, institutions outside the U.S., or projects already funded through regular grants. Additionally, only new projects are eligible, with no allowance for indirect costs.

Selected projects can span up to two years with a combined budget of up to $500,000 in direct costs. CART expects to award 3-5 grants, including a top grant offering the full $500,000 in 2025. The review process begins with an evaluation of LOIs by a scientific review group, which will identify up to 15 high-merit submissions. Finalists will then be invited to submit full grant applications, from which the CART Fund Grant Selection Committee will make the final funding decisions.

CART’s mission is to stimulate transformative research that addresses conceptual and exploratory challenges in Alzheimer’s Disease. This initiative represents a unique opportunity for researchers to receive substantial support for early-stage projects with the potential to make meaningful contributions to the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.