The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering the Healthy Brain Community Grant Program to support initiatives addressing Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias in communities throughout Minnesota. This grant opportunity, part of the MDH's Aging and Healthy Communities Unit's Healthy Brain Initiative, aims to reach populations that are disproportionately affected by underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of dementia. Priority communities include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); LGBTQ+ individuals; American Indians; people with disabilities; and those living in Greater Minnesota. The initiative's primary goals are to educate communities about reducing dementia risk, promote early detection and diagnosis, and provide support to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) BOLD Public Health Programs, this grant seeks to implement projects that enhance brain health messaging and strategies. Proposals should focus on creating or amplifying educational efforts that address dementia risk factors, improve access to early diagnosis, and offer culturally competent support services. Successful projects will demonstrate a clear plan for outreach, education, and community engagement, aiming to mitigate health disparities related to dementia diagnosis and care.

The grant application process is structured around key dates, with an information session held on October 15, offering prospective applicants guidance on the program requirements and the application process. Questions regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) must be submitted by October 18. The deadline for submitting proposal applications is November 12, 2024. After a review process, the selected projects will be notified of their funding status by December 20, with the grant period beginning on March 3, 2025, and continuing through September 29, 2028.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to design proposals that align with the grant's objectives, focusing on outreach to underserved and disproportionately impacted communities. Proposals should detail how the project will contribute to increasing dementia awareness, reducing the risk, and ensuring that those living with dementia receive adequate support. The funding allows for a long-term approach, providing a multi-year timeframe to implement and measure the impact of proposed interventions.

The Healthy Brain Community Grant Program represents an opportunity for organizations to make a significant difference in dementia care and prevention in Minnesota. It aims to create sustainable improvements in brain health across diverse communities by supporting projects that are innovative, inclusive, and impactful. Interested applicants should prepare to submit comprehensive proposals that meet the criteria set forth by the MDH and CDC to be considered for this transformative funding.