[Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation](https://www.alzdiscovery.org)

May 11, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | July 20, 2026 (Invited full proposal)

Average award: $300,000; typical duration: 1 year with potential for follow-on funding.

Supports innovative drug discovery and preclinical development for frontotemporal degeneration, emphasizing small molecules and biologics with robust scientific rationale.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity is designed to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics for frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a group of neurodegenerative disorders with limited treatment options. The program backs drug discovery and preclinical development projects focused on small molecules, antibodies, oligonucleotides, peptides, and gene therapies. Proposals should emphasize lead optimization, medicinal chemistry, in vitro ADME, and in vivo efficacy or pharmacokinetic studies in relevant animal models. Projects with strong preliminary data, clear strategies for target engagement and biomarker development, and a robust biological rationale are encouraged. Priority areas include, but are not limited to: autophagy, epigenetics, genetic causes (e.g., C9ORF72, MAPT, GRN), inflammation, misfolded proteins (TDP-43, tau, FUS), mitochondria, neuroprotection, proteostasis, RNA metabolism, stress granule formation, synaptic activity, and other novel targets with a strong link to FTD pathophysiology. --- ## Due Dates - May 11, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline - July 20, 2026: Invited full proposal deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Average award: $300,000 per project - Typical duration: 1 year, with potential for follow-on funding based on achievement of milestones - Funding is provided as a mission-related investment (MRI), which may involve return on investment through equity, convertible notes, or royalties, determined case-by-case. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers and clinicians worldwide - Eligible institutions: - Academic medical centers, universities, and non-profits - Biotechnology companies (existing or new spinouts) that demonstrate a clear need for nonprofit funding - Industry partnerships are encouraged - Only one LOI and one full proposal per applicant (and per biotech company) per cycle; multiple applicants from the same academic institution may apply for different projects --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** - Submit via the [ADDF Funding Portal](https://addf.fluxx.io/) - Requires brief descriptions of novelty/rationale, disease target/pathway, drug or device details, specific aims, and supporting data 2. **Full Proposal (by invitation only):** - Invited applicants submit a detailed project narrative, budget, supporting documents, and (for biotech companies) a business packet - Project narrative should include background, rationale, supporting data, objectives, experimental design, team/resources, IP, other support, and references (see [RFP](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/accelerating-drug-discovery-for-ftd) for details) - Additional required forms: Compound Report Card, Human Subjects Questionnaire, Budget and Justification, and biosketches 3. **Review Process:** - Two-stage review: LOI review, then full proposal review by external scientific and business experts - Evaluation based on scientific merit, feasibility, research design, preliminary data, and team qualifications 4. **Registration:** - New applicants must register on the [ADDF Funding Portal](https://addf.fluxx.io/) at least 1–2 business days before submission --- ## Additional Information - Funding does not support target identification, target validation, assay development, or high-throughput screening; IND-enabling work is supported under a different RFP - No indirect costs/overhead or capital equipment will be funded - Follow-on funding may be available for successful projects - See [Funding Policies](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/policies) for details on allowable costs and funding mechanisms --- ## External Links - [Program RFP and Details](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/accelerating-drug-discovery-for-ftd) - [Application Instructions](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/application-instructions) - [ADDF Funding Portal](https://addf.fluxx.io/) - [Funding Policies](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/policies) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Program-related inquiries | Nicole Bjorklund, PhD
[nbjorklund@theaftd.org](mailto:nbjorklund@theaftd.org)
Aaron Burstein, PharmD
[aburstein@alzdiscovery.org](mailto:aburstein@alzdiscovery.org) | | Application submission support | Grants & Mission Related Investments Team
[grants@alzdiscovery.org](mailto:grants@alzdiscovery.org) | | General funder contact | [info@alzdiscovery.org](mailto:info@alzdiscovery.org)
[Contact Page](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/contact-us)
Phone: 212.901.8000 |

Accelerating Drug Discovery for Frontotemporal Degeneration

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