Addressing Dementia in Tribal and Urban Indian Communities: CAReS Program
This funding opportunity provides financial support to Native American tribal organizations and Urban Indian communities to improve dementia care services through culturally relevant approaches.
The Dementia CAReS Grants for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities program is a forecasted funding opportunity from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Indian Health Service. It is designed to strengthen dementia care and related services for American Indian and Alaska Native people, with a focus on culturally appropriate approaches rooted in Indigenous values and community self-determination. This initiative aims to support both Tribal and Urban Indian communities in delivering measurable improvements across the entire continuum of dementia care, from early recognition and diagnosis to caregiver support and end-of-life care. The program falls under the Assistance Listing 93.933 for Demonstration Projects for Indian Health. The funding will be provided through discretionary grants and is expected to support approximately 16 awards. The estimated total program funding is $3,750,000, although the maximum and minimum award amounts for individual recipients have not been specified at this stage. Funds are intended for projects that demonstrate meaningful, measurable, and sustainable changes in dementia care within eligible communities. Eligibility for the program is limited to specific groups: Native American tribal organizations other than Federally recognized tribal governments, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and Urban Indian organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29) that are currently administering a contract or receiving an award under 25 U.S.C. 1653. Urban Indian organizations must be nonprofit corporate bodies located in urban centers, governed by urban Indian-controlled boards of directors, and capable of cooperating with other entities to perform program activities. Proof of nonprofit status is required for Urban Indian organization applicants. The forecasted application process is expected to open on March 2, 2026, with a projected application due date of June 1, 2026. This due date is tentative and subject to change when the official notice and application package are posted on Grants.gov. The estimated award date is August 1, 2026, and funded projects are anticipated to start on September 1, 2026. As this is a forecasted opportunity, no applications are currently being accepted, and all deadlines are estimates pending the final notice. Applicants will need to submit their applications through the designated federal grants platform once the opportunity becomes active. The specific application requirements, evaluation criteria, and allowable expenses will be detailed in the final notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the Indian Health Service Division of Grants Management website and Grants.gov for updates and instructions. For further information, applicants may contact the Division of Grants Management at the Indian Health Service by phone at 301-443-5204 or by email at dgm@ihs.gov. Additional program details will be posted online at the IHS funding webpage as the opportunity progresses from forecasted to active status.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
$3,750,000
Number of Awards
16
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
The program will support approximately 16 awards for projects that strengthen dementia care and services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Specific allowable costs and spending rules will be provided in the full notice.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Federally recognized Indian Tribes An Indian Tribe as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(14). The term Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or group, or regional or village corporation, as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. Tribal organizations A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26). The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(l)): Tribal organization means the recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities: provided that, in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant. You must submit letters of support or Tribal Resolutions from the Tribes you will serve. Urban Indian Organizations Urban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29), that is currently administering a contract or receiving an award pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1653. The term Urban Indian organization means a nonprofit corporate body situated in an urban center, governed by an urban Indian controlled board of directors, and providing for the maximum participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private entities for the purpose of performing the activities described in 25 U.S.C. 1653(a). You must provide proof of nonprofit status.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
Grantor
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Indian Health Service)
Phone
301-443-5204Subscribe to view contact details