Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) - Dementia Capable Community Health Worker Programs

The Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) – Dementia Capable Community Health Worker Programs is administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ACL leads national efforts to support older adults and people with disabilities in living independently and with dignity. Through ADPI, the agency invests in strengthening the National Aging Network, which includes organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging and tribal entities that deliver critical services under the Older Americans Act. This specific funding opportunity is designed to expand the role of community-based health workers in addressing the growing needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The primary purpose of this grant is to enhance workforce capacity by integrating dementia-capable Community Health Workers (CHWs) into community-based service systems. CHWs are frontline public health workers who have close connections to the communities they serve and are positioned to improve health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health. Under this initiative, applicants are expected to develop or expand programs that improve access to dementia-capable services, particularly in rural and underserved communities where disparities in care are more pronounced. The program emphasizes strengthening relationships between service providers and communities with high rates of disease, disability, and mortality. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, indicating substantial involvement from the federal agency in program implementation. The total estimated program funding is 5,250,000 dollars, with approximately seven awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range between 700,000 and 750,000 dollars. Funds are intended to support activities such as workforce training, service coordination, outreach, and program development that enhance dementia-capable systems of care. While specific allowable costs are not detailed in the forecast, they are expected to align with federal guidelines for community-based health and social service programs. Eligibility is limited to entities that are designated to plan and coordinate networks of Older Americans Act programs at the local level. This includes Area Agencies on Aging, federally recognized Native American Tribal governments, and states that function as a single planning and service area under the Older Americans Act. These entities are expected to demonstrate the capacity to coordinate services, manage federal funds, and implement programs that address the needs of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. The eligibility criteria reflect a focus on established organizations with existing infrastructure in aging services. The application process is expected to follow standard federal grant submission procedures through Grants.gov, although specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice. Applicants will likely be required to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining program design, objectives, budget, and evaluation methods. The estimated application due date is June 30, 2026, with awards anticipated by August 25, 2026, and project start dates beginning September 1, 2026. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified in the available information. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined in the forecast, but typical federal review processes include assessment of program design, organizational capacity, alignment with program goals, and potential impact. Given the cooperative agreement structure, awardees can expect ongoing collaboration with ACL throughout the project period. For additional information, applicants may contact Kari Benson at 202-401-4634. This opportunity represents a strategic investment in expanding dementia-capable services and addressing inequities in care across the United States.