Addressing Dementia in Tribal and Urban Indian Communities: CAReS Program

Key facts

Funder

Indian Health Service

Application deadline

September 4, 2026

Award range

$250K – $750K

Eligibility

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.

Geography

United States

Focus areas

Health

Opportunity number

HHS-2026-IHS-ALZ-0001

Program overview

This program is intended to support Tribal and Urban Indian communities in strengthening dementia care and services for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. Rooted in Indigenous values and community self-determination, the program will fund meaningful, measurable improvements that span the full dementia care continuum, from early recognition to caregiver support. Option A – Dementia CAReS (Care Access, Resources, and Support). One national awardee will coordinate four integrated priorities: Mini-Project Funding to help Tribal and Urban Indian clinics launch culturally tailored services. A Dementia Champion Network connecting frontline leaders. Success Sharing through case studies and toolkits. Evaluation & Data using common performance measures and dashboards. Option B – Dementia Caregiver Support and Training Center. One national awardee will deliver dementia caregiver support training, services, resources, and technical assistance. Services will support Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations. The awardee will develop and implement a comprehensive, culturally relevant caregiver support and training model. It will prioritize leadership, caregiver support, and knowledge and skills development. Across both options, recipients will document emerging practices using standardized measures. These measures will guide continuous quality improvement and improve outcomes for AI/AN people and their caregivers.

How to apply

1. Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
2. Read the full funding opportunity announcement from Indian Health Service.
3. Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
4. Submit before September 4, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.

View the official funding announcement

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