Alzheimer’s Disease Program 

Funding Opportunities

Current Listing of Funding Opportunities

Request for Applications (RFA) #24-10004 – Alzheimer’​s Disease Research Awards​

​Award Announcement: 

​NOTICE OF FINAL AWARD

Request for Applications (RFA) #24-10004 - Alzheimer's Disease Research Awards

January 26, 2024 - The California Department of Public Health, Chronic Disease Control Branch, Alzheimer's Disease Program (ADP) is pleased to announce its final award to the following seven institutions to advance research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias while addressing health disparities. Research projects are anticipated to begin on July 1, 2024 and end on June 30, 2028. The award recipients are:

​​1.     (Individual) Principal Investigator: Maria Aranda, PhD, MSW, MPA, LCSW

Institution: University of Southern California

Project Title: “Demonstrating the Efficacy of Unidos en el Cuidado: A Spanish-Language Program for Latino Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia”

Amount Awarded: $2,000,000.00

2.     (Individual) Principal Investigator: Timothy Chang, MD, PhD

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Project Title: “Evaluating and Reducing Disparities from Early Dementia Detection and Genetic Testing in Underrepresented Populations”

Amount Awarded: $2,000,000.00

3.     (Consortium) Principal Investigator: Anna Chodos, MD, MPH

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco

Project Title: “Evaluation of a new cognitive screening approach in primary care among underserved populations”

Amount Awarded: $4,747,847.00

4.     (Individual) Principal Investigator: Luohua Jiang, MD, PhD

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Project Title: “The epidemiology, risk prediction, and health care utilization for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias among California American Indian and Alaska Native Medicare Beneficiaries”

Amount Awarded: $1,839,727.77

5.     (Consortium) Principal Investigator: Rachel Nosheny, PhD

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco

Project Title: “The California Brain Health Registry (CAL-BHR): Advancing Alzheimer’s Disease Research in Diverse Communities”

Amount Awarded: $4,799,155.00

6.     (Consortium) Principal Investigator: Alissa Sideman, PhD, MPH, MA

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco

Project Title: “Understanding the Health and Long-Term Supports and Services Needs of Refugees and Immigrants with Dementia and their Caregivers in California”

Amount Awarded: $4,609,655.00

7.     (Individual) Principal Investigator: Jarmin Yeh

Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Project Title: “C-CARERS or ‘Centering Caregivers in Alzheimer's Research on Equity, Representation, Services and Supports’”

Amount Awarded: $2,000,000.00

​The State of California supports research that contributes to the better understanding, care, and support of patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Pursuant to Revenue & Taxation Code Sections 18761-18766, the ADP is authorized to award funds for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research. Thank you to all the individuals and organizations that dedicated time and effort to submitting applications.

Alert Letter:

Addendum 2. Removal of Required Fulltime Equivalent (FTE) Percentage for Lead Staff in Appendix 1​​

October 20, 2023, NOTIFICATION OF RFA RELEASE, RFA #24-10004 - Alzheimer’s Disease Research Awards​

The ADP is soliciting applications from research institutions to further understand and address the greater prevalence of dementia in underrepresented or disparate populations including women, communities of color, and populations historically underrepresented in research including Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) communities and rural communities. Data is needed in these populations to ensure implementation of culturally-responsive preventive measures, long-term care services, and support systems at the community level.

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to fund 5–7 projects to further understand and address the greater prevalence of dementia in underrepresented or disparate populations including women, communities of color, and populations historically underrepresented in research including Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) communities and rural communities. This RFA seeks to also accomplish the three following goals:

1. Bolster ADRD data among disparate groups by:​

   • ​Increasing data collection and building upon existing evidence of ADRD prevalence in populations historically underrepresented in ADRD research. 

   • Disaggregating data for misrepresented populations such as Asian, Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders populations.

2. Assess the frequency of utilization of ADRD existing services by the populations of focus; and,
   

3. ​Continue outreach of existing ADRD resources and services to impacted and underrepresented populations. The anticipated term is July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2028, and the total funding available for approxi​ma​tely five to seven grants is $20 million. 
   

Questions & Answers

​Available Funding

1.     Q: The total cost of an individual investigator award is $500,000/year. What is the allowed indirect cost rate for the University of California?

A: The State of California observes indirect cost recovery and modified total direct rates set forth by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) for grants awarded to UC and CSU applicants. The current rate is 40% on-campus and 25% off-campus. The total dollar amount for each fiscal year includes both direct and indirect costs. For further details please refer to the UCOP website at: UC Office of the President Website or review Appendix 1 (Application Instructions), Document F. Budget Instructions.

Eligibility Criteria

2.     Q: Is this funding restricted solely to “academic institutions” and if so, what is the rationale for this restriction?

A: No. Funding from this RFA is open to organizations that have the capacity to conduct research as described in Revenue and Taxation Code 18761(h). Most organizations that conduct research are academic institutions, but not all.

3.    Q:  Can our institution be the lead role, as we are a nonprofit research institute in California doing federal and state funded research since our founding?  We are not an academic institution and do not offer graduate degrees, but education is one of our pillars with summer programs for high school and college students.​​​ We also plan to partner with local organizations for this grant.

A: Funding from this RFA is open to organizations that have the capacity to conduct research as described in Revenue and Taxation Code 18761(h).

 4.     Q: For the research award is there a criterion for the research that needs to be met to qualify? If so, what are they and where can I find more of this information? I am with a non-profit that works with adults who have cognitive and developmental disabilities as well as works with adults who have suffered strokes and TBIs. Among these diagnoses we do have a number of participants that also have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

A: Research projects must align with the objectives of the RFA detailed on Pages 5–7 under “Part I. Introduction and Overview, B. Objectives.”

Eligibility Criteria – Consortium

5.     Q: The RFA “24-10004,” under section C. Available Funding, Categories of Awards, subsection 2. Consortium Research Awards uses the wording “institution,” “grantee institution” and “participating institutions.” What entities qualify as these “institutions?”

A: Grants may be awarded to a consortium, which is defined as a research project performed through a collaborative, formalized agreement between the grantee institution and two (2) or more participating institutions. The grantee institution is the primary awardee that has a leadership role in conducting the planned research and distributing funds to participating institutions, otherwise known as partner or collaborating organizations.

In a consortium contract, the participating institutions or collaborating organizations are subcontracted with the primary awardee or grantee institution.

6.     Q: For the Consortium Research Awards, it says “grantee institution and two (2) or more participating institutions.” Does that mean a minimum of 3 institutions are needed for the Consortium Research Awards?

A: Correct, a consortium will need participation of at least three (3) institutions.

7.     Q: Can an investigator be a lead on one proposal and a participant in another proposal and could both be funded? Does this apply to both individual and consortium applications and awards? 

A: Yes, an investigator may serve as the principal investigator in one application and a member of a participating institution in another application, however the total percentage of effort cannot exceed 100% of FTE. This applies to both individual and consortium applications.

8.     Q: While multiple investigators may apply from an institution is there a limit to how many awards will be made to any single institution?

A: No, there is no limit to how many awards will be made to a single institution.

9.     Q: I am interested in collaborating with a colleague at another university for this RFA. Because it would just be one other institution this would not be considered for a consortium study. Is it possible to do a subcontract with another UC for the individual award to support my colleague and her research team?

A: Yes, you may apply as an individual investigator and subcontract with other institutions.

10. Q: Can you provide a link to last Friday’s (11/3) webinar so that those who could not attend may review what was presented?  I could not find a link posted on the ADP Funding Opportunities page.

A: The webinar recording will be posted on the Alzheimer’s Disease Program (ADP) Funding Opportunities webpage pending review and approval from the CDPH Office of Communications.

Letter of Intent

11. Q: On Table 1. Key Dates, the Letter of Intent is due on November 13, 2023. However, on the Letters of Intent – Required section, the due date is November 9, 2023. Please clarify the due dates.

A: Letters of Intent (LOIs) were due to ADP on November 13, 2023 at 5 pm, PT. Addendum 1 was posted on the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Funding Opportunities webpage to clarify the due date.

12. If we submit a LOI as a consortium, but are not able to submit as a consortium in time, can we submit as an individual? Or if that is a concern, we should put in one LOI as a consortium and one LOI as an individual?

A: The LOI informs ADP of the organization’s intent to submit an application. The LOI is not binding; therefore, plans described on the LOI do not have to be consistent with the final plan submitted with your application.

Application Requirements – Project Activities

13. Q: We will study California Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients. We will also study the USA database. Is it okay to study patients outside California because the goal is to increase the sample size?

A: Yes, you may use databases to study patients outside of California if you can provide justification in your application that using these databases would address the mission, goals, and objectives of this RFA.

14. Q: Are there any restrictions or preferences on the research methodology and approach?

A: No, this RFA does not have restrictions or preferences on the research methodology and approach. Application scores will be based on the criteria described in “Table 3. Point Breakdown for Each Application Component,” starting on page 17 of the RFA.

15. Q: Are there any guidelines or preferences on the scale of the study (e.g., sample size)?

A: No, this RFA does not have guidelines or preferences on the scale of the study. Application scores will be based on the criteria described in “Table 3. Point Breakdown for Each Application Component,” starting on page 17 of the RFA.

Scoring and Rubric

16. Q: Are only CDPH personnel on the review committee? Or are outside experts called in to review grants?

A: The review committee for RFA 24-10004 can consist of individuals from various State of California health agencies.

17. Q: While non-duplicative target populations are taken into consideration, are applications from the same institutions taken into consideration? E.g. if there are 2 applications from one institutions, is it less likely for the 2nd application to be funded (assuming the 1st application gets funded)?

A: Applicants from the same institution may apply for the same grant; this will not impact the applicants’​​ scores or likelihood to be funded.

Appendix 1. Application Instructions

18. Appendix 1- Document F (Budget Instructions), Number 3 under Personnel Costs, indicates that we need to designate a “lead staff position to provide a minimum required 50% FTE per week.” Would this be a PI and is this mandatory?

A: Per the RFA​ language, it does not require any project leads or principal investigators to be funded at 50% FTE per week. Addendum 2 has been posted on the ADP Funding Opportunities webpage.

Appendix 2. Application Form

19. Q: The face sheet indicates the award term is 1 or 2 years. Because the RFA is for 4-year projects, may I change the form?

A: Yes, the form may be changed, and applicants can request up to four years.

20. Q: Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (pgs. 3–4), the CITY, STATE, and ZIP Code misaligns when attempting to input information. Are we allowed to reformat the application to fix this?
 A: Yes, you may reformat the form.

 21. Q: Document D: is the project activity (timetable with specific milestones) included in the 15-page limit?​
A: Yes, the project activity (timetable with specific milestones) is included in the 15-page limit.

 22. Q: We noticed that the all the fillable sections are in blue. Would you like all these sections to remain in blue?

A: Text can be blue or black.

Appendix 3. Budget Template

23. Q: Are we allowed to format any part of the Appendix 3 budget sheet?

A: No, applicants may not format any part of Appendix 3. Budget Template.

Appendix 3. Budget Template – UC/CSU Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)

24. Q: We need confirmation on the IDC to budget as per noted in RFA instruction section e. “Indirect costs cannot exceed 40% of total personnel services (Personnel Costs plus Fringe Benefits).”​​ I consulted with my university’s contract and grant office, and they determined IDC 40% should be based on Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This would mean operational costs (non-personnel and benefit) would also be assessed for IDC.
 
Due to this conflicting information, can you please clarify what is eligible for IDC assessment? 
 A: Indirect costs will be assessed based on the total direct costs, including personnel, fringe benefits, operation expenses, and other direct costs.  ​

25. Q: Could you please explain what needs to be entered in H19-H32 and J19-J32. In the guide tab, I don’t see instructions for this section.
 A: Section A of the budget template is for Personnel. Please list each position by name, project role and the level of effort who will be involved on the project starting from principal investigator. For more information, please review Appendix 1, Document F (Budget Instructions).

26. Q: I am new to CDPH research awards, and I have questions on the correct rate to use in a UC application.

• I don’t see a Step 34 in the instructions but it is referenced.
• UC would expect AB 20 but at what MTDC rate?
• Our UCOP website for rates with the State shows an on-campus rate of 40% and off-campus rate of 25% beginning July 1, 2024.
• May I inform the department research team they may propose at 40% MTDC or is there a program or policy specific limited rate.

 
A: Please disregard Step 34 in the Budget Template.
A (continued for Q26): The State of California observes indirect cost recovery and modified total direct rates set forth by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) for grants awarded to UC and CSU applicants. The indirect cost rates will be 40% on-campus and 25% off-campus beginning July 1, 2024. For further details, please refer to the UCOP website at: UC Office of the President Website or review Appendix 1 (Application Instructions), Document F. Budget Instructions.

27. Q: Because the indirect cost is 40%, which only leaves about $360K to research, if a principal investigator (PI) needs to devote 50% of her/his effort (salary plus fringe), there is little left for co-investigators (another 6-7 people) and supplies/experimental mice. A multi-disciplinary research project usually includes biostatisticians, neuroscientists, biologists, bioinformatics components, lab personnel, etc. On top of this, there will be no room for inflation in the following years. We were able to do this before because the indirect was only 20%, and there was no mandatory for the PI to devote 50% of his/her effort. I want to bring this concern to your attention. Would you please consider allowing a budget of $500K/year without including indirect costs?
 
A: The State of California observes indirect cost recovery and modified total direct rates set forth by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) for grants awarded to UC and CSU applicants. For information on the 50% FTE requirement for PIs, please refer to our response to Question 18.

An optional informational webinar was held on November 3, 2023. A recording will be posted on this page soon.​

​For additional questions or comments, please contact AlzheimersD@cdph.ca.gov.