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Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

Grant Range
$350K - $2.5M

Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Data not specified in annual terms
  • Total Investment to Date: $385,341,463
  • Decision Time: Variable by program
  • Grant Range: $350,000 - $2,549,203 (based on recent examples)
  • Geographic Focus: International (academia and biotech worldwide)
  • Total Projects Funded: 811
  • Total Researchers Supported: 561

Contact Details

Overview

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is a venture philanthropy organization focused on accelerating the development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Operating with a unique investment model rather than traditional grants, ADDF has invested over $385 million in 811 projects led by 561 researchers worldwide. The foundation supports both academic institutions and biotechnology companies, focusing on translational research that bridges the gap between basic science and clinical applications. Their approach emphasizes drug discovery and development across all stages, from early-stage screening to late-phase clinical trials.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Therapeutics Funding Programs

  • Drug Development RFP: Funds IND-enabling studies and early clinical trials
  • Neuroimaging and CSF Biomarker RFP: Supports biomarker development
  • Prevention RFP: Focuses on preventive interventions

Diagnostics Accelerator Programs

  • Peripheral Biomarkers RFP: Development of blood-based diagnostics
  • Digital Biomarkers RFP: Digital health solutions for early detection

Partner Programs

  • Accelerating Drug Discovery for FTD RFP: Frontotemporal dementia research
  • ADDF-Harrington Scholar Program RFP: Career development awards
  • Treat FTD Fund: Collaborative funding initiative
  • Goodes Prize: Recognition award for innovation

Recent Funding Examples (2025)

  • Superfluid Dx: $911,250 for AI-driven Alzheimer's diagnostics
  • Vesper Bio: $2,549,203 for frontotemporal dementia clinical study
  • University of Pennsylvania: $350,000 for oligonucleotide therapeutics

Priority Areas

  • Drug discovery and development
  • Biomarker development (blood, CSF, neuroimaging, digital)
  • Clinical trials (Phase 1-4)
  • Prevention strategies
  • IND-enabling studies
  • Novel and repurposed drugs
  • Translational research

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not detailed in available sources, their focus is exclusively on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research with translational potential.

Governance and Leadership

  • Interim CEO: Jane McIntosh
  • Recent Board Additions (December 2025): Gavin Cook and David Dolby
  • Scientific Leadership: Dr. Howard Fillit (key scientific advisor role)

The foundation operates with a venture philanthropy model, treating funding as investments with returns reinvested into their charitable mission.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Create an account on the ADDF Funding Portal
  2. Submit Letter of Intent (LOI) by specified deadline
  3. If invited, submit Full Proposal through the portal
  4. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM ET on deadline date
  5. Applications reviewed throughout the year

Key Deadlines

Letter of Intent Deadlines:

  • May 13: Accelerating Drug Discovery for FTD
  • June 3: ADDF-Harrington Scholar Program
  • September 14, 2026: Therapeutics Funding Programs
  • September 30: General Therapeutics Funding Programs

Full Proposal Deadline:

  • January 12, 2026: Next scheduled deadline

Decision Timeline

Variable by program; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Eligibility

  • Academic institutions worldwide
  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
  • Non-profit research organizations
  • Both US and international applicants accepted

Application Success Factors

Based on ADDF's investment philosophy and portfolio:

  • Translational Focus: ADDF prioritizes research that can be translated into clinical applications. Projects should demonstrate clear pathways from bench to bedside.

  • Innovation in Approach: The foundation funds novel therapeutic targets and innovative technologies, including AI-driven diagnostics and digital biomarkers.

  • Stage-Appropriate Milestones: Applications should match funding requests to appropriate development stages, from high-throughput screening through Phase 4 trials.

  • Diverse Therapeutic Strategies: ADDF funds various approaches including small molecules, biologics, oligonucleotides, and combination therapies.

  • Strong Scientific Rationale: Given their venture philanthropy model, applications must demonstrate potential for significant impact and return on investment.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • ADDF uses an investment model, not traditional grants - frame proposals in terms of potential impact and translational value
  • The foundation funds across the entire drug development pipeline - match your request to the appropriate RFP
  • Both academic and for-profit entities are eligible - partnerships between sectors may be advantageous
  • Rolling review process means applications are evaluated throughout the year - submit when ready rather than waiting
  • Sign up for their newsletter to receive RFP announcements and deadline reminders
  • Focus on translational research with clear clinical application pathways
  • The foundation reinvests returns into new research - successful projects may lead to additional funding opportunities

References

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