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12 Leading Dementia and Alzheimer’s Charities for 2024

21 minute readLast updated January 22, 2024
fact checkedon January 22, 2024
Written by Anna Nichols, senior living writer
Reviewed by Carrie Kirkpatrick, long-term care specialistCarrie Kirkpatrick, health care account executive at A Place for Mom, has advised families on senior care for the past 20 years.
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If you have a loved one with memory loss, you may be interested in finding support or ways to help the fight against dementia. Alzheimer’s organizations and charities can help guide families through challenges, connect them with support groups, and even fund specialized activities in memory care communities and nursing homes. Oftentimes, they sponsor fundraisers where families can meet others going through a similar journey. Read on to learn about 12 dementia organizations and how you can contribute to each organization’s unique mission. Each ranks highly on Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization that analyzes the financial statements and ethical practices of other nonprofit organizations.

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Alzheimer's Association

Perhaps the most well-known organization for Alzheimer’s and other dementia donations, the Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by caregivers and scientists who wanted to support people with the disease while advancing research.

In its largest research investment ever, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that it granted $100 million to more than 271 scientific investigations in 2023.[01] In all, the association explains that it’s investing more than $300 million in over 920 projects globally.

As the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s and dementia research, the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to accelerating the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, and, until then, to improve care and quality of life for people living with the disease.

Joanne Pike, Alzheimer's Association president and CEO

Supporters can donate money, participate in events, or advocate for more public funding. This organization’s most notable events include the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day.

Alzheimer’s Disease International

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) is a federation of dementia associations with more than 100 nonprofit members around the world. It was established in 1984 through a combined initiative of Alzheimer’s associations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

While ADI’s role in its early years was to make connections between existing associations, it has grown to focus on public policy and the recognition of dementia as a global health priority.

You can support ADI through donations, participation in World Alzheimer’s Month activities, or support for Alzheimer’s associations in your country.

ADI works to increase public knowledge about dementia through:

  • Providing a platform for associations that advocate making dementia a national priority
  • Raising awareness through public policy
  • Offering assistance to people with dementia and their caregivers
  • Publishing the World Alzheimer Report
  • Coordinating the World Alzheimer’s Month
  • Facilitating research and innovation

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Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) was founded in 1998 by brothers Ronald S. and Leonard A. Lauder of the Estée Lauder Companies cosmetics brand. The nonprofit organization makes investments in research, not grants. This type of philanthropy model generates investment returns that are “channeled right back into our science,” the organization states.

[Investment returns] are channeled right back into our science.

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

The ADDF solely focuses on developing drugs to prevent, treat, and cure the disease. It provides scientific leadership and venture capital for “innovative, often underfunded” areas of research.

According to the organization, the ADDF has awarded over $273 million to fund nearly 731 drug discovery programs, biomarker programs, and clinical trials as of 2023. The organization explains that it has supported 20% of Alzheimer’s drugs in clinical development.[02]

The ADDF accepts individual donations and corporate partnership opportunities. Additionally, supporters can create a fundraiser, shop for a cure in the online store, or make a planned gift.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America

Founded in 2002 by a caregiver whose mother lived with the disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) was created for families in need. Their main initiatives include:

  • A hotline staffed by licensed social workers
  • A National Memory Screening Program with free screenings across the U.S.
  • Training and continuing education for professional caregivers
  • Providing grants to organizations offering direct care to people with Alzheimer’s

Over 5 million people have undergone screening sponsored by the AFA, according to the organization.[03] The foundation also notes that it has trained and educated more than 200,000 people through its programs. To support the AFA, anyone can donate money on a one-time or monthly basis, organize a fundraiser, engrave a brick for a loved one, participate in a virtual walk, shop in the online store, and more.

American Brain Foundation

Founded by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation collaborates with organizations trying to defeat specific diseases of the brain and nervous system. For example, its research partners include the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Foundationthe Association for Frontotemporal DegenerationAmerican Epilepsy Society, and more.

In 2023, the American Brain Foundation funded 13 new researchers through the Next Generation Research Grants.[04] The American Brain Foundation reports that it’s granted over $33 million for research with funding and scholarships for more than 270 researchers. The foundation notes that 86% of its researchers have gone on to get funding from the National Institutes of Health and other national funders.

When we cure one disease, we will cure many.

American Brain Foundation

You can contribute financially to the American Brain Foundation through one-time gifts or monthly donations, stocks or securities, a donor-advised fund, memorials, and more. Additionally, the American Brain Foundation encourages donation through the National Institutes of Health NeuroBioBank.

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

Helen-Ann Comstock founded The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) in 2002 after caring for her late husband who had the disease. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the most common dementia in people under 60, according to the organization.

In 2021, the AFTD helped more than 3,379 individuals through its helpline, facilitated nearly 80 support groups, and distributed over 700 grants to people with FTD and their families, according to the 2023 annual report.[05]

AFTD funds research toward diagnosis, treatment, and a cure. Additionally, the dementia organization raises awareness about the disease and advocates for research and affordable services. Besides monetary donations, you can create or participate in a Grassroots Event, shop through Amazon Smile, or donate a vehicle.

Bluefield Project

Originally an academic research consortium, the Bluefield Project was founded as a nonprofit organization in 2010 with a mission to develop drugs to treat frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This type of dementia is a degenerative brain disease that’s commonly a cause of dementia for people under age 60.

According to the foundation, the Bluefield Project has funded over 25 investigators whose work led to two clinical trials and two patent applications. Additionally, the foundation reports that it has screened almost 500,000 compounds, published nearly 100 papers, and trained more than 50 scientists in FTD research.[06]

Besides funding research at top academic institutions, The Bluefield Project fosters close relationships between discovery scientists and clinical neurologists as a way to shorten the path to a cure. Supporters can donate funds to the Bluefield Project or potentially volunteer as study participants through the foundation.

BrightFocus Foundation

The BrightFocus Foundation targets brain and eye health with a current focus on Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Founded in 1973, the organization has had some major successes throughout the years, including early research to support the artificial heart program.

The BrightFocus Foundation reports it has invested nearly $290 million in research grants as of 2023. Over the past three years, it’s funded almost $60 million as part of a scientific portfolio with more than 260 projects. Importantly, the foundation provided early funding to develop the first blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s.[07]

[The BrightFocus Foundation supports] high-risk, high-reward projects that have the most promise to change the trajectory of the disease.

BrightFocus Foundation

Those interested in this dementia research charity can contribute to the BrightFocus Foundation by participating in a clinical trial, partnering at a corporate level, starting a Facebook Fundraiser, or donating individual contributions.

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Cure Alzheimer’s Fund

In 2004, three families founded the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund using their experience in venture capital and corporate start-ups. Its goal is to stop Alzheimer’s through early prediction, prevention, and effective intervention leading to a cure.

The organization has funded over $146 million for research and awarded more than 600 grants, with all donations going to research because board members finance overhead expenses.[08]

[We encourage scientists] to pursue wild ideas and take the bold risks.

Cure Alzheimer's Fund

Initiatives funded by the organization include a potential treatment selected for the National Institute of Health Blueprint for Neuroscience Research program and the “Alzheimer’s in a Dish” study, which could accelerate drug testing.

Supporters can donate funds, host a fundraising event, sell with eBay for Charity, or buy through Amazon Smile. Additionally, they can contribute through planned gifts, securities, vehicle donations, and even weddings.

Dementia Society of America

The Dementia Society of America, also known as the Dementia Society Inc., was founded by Kevin Jameson, whose wife of 32 years died from dementia. The organization focuses on supporting people living with dementia, no matter the cause.

The Dementia Society of America offers a few different support initiatives to caregivers and people with dementia:

Those interested in this organization can financially support it through monetary contributions, donating a car or boat, buying with Amazon Smile, planning a fundraiser, creating a GoFundMe, and more.

Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation

The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation is an organization supporting the Fisher Center at The Rockefeller University. Considered one of the largest and most modern facilities for Alzheimer’s research, the Fisher Center was founded in 1995 by philanthropists Zachary Fisher and David Rockefeller.

As a notable dementia research charity, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation has “provided researchers around the globe with a conceptual framework for understanding the disease” and continues to lead research for finding a cure.[09]

Supporters of the Fisher Center can donate monetary gifts on a one-time or monthly basis.

Lewy Body Dementia Association

The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) was formed by caregivers in an online support group who discussed a need for more assistance and a lack of awareness about the disease. The disease is the most misdiagnosed form of dementia, yet the second most common form of progressive dementia behind Alzheimer’s, according to the association.

The LBDA supports people with Lewy body dementia and their loved ones and promotes scientific advancement. For families, its website has an extensive library of resources and access to support groups.

The LBDA has collaborated with 26 academic medical research institutions which have provided care to over 17,000 people with LBD in 2020.

Lewy Body Dementia Association

It also trained more than 7,500 professionals in the clinical management of Lewy body dementia and connected more than 8,000 people with licensed professionals that year. To support the LBDA, you can give monetary donations, facilitate a support group, provide in-kind donations of professional services, plan a fundraiser, donate an unwanted vehicle or boat, and more.

SHARE THE ARTICLE

  1. Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. 2023 Annual Report.

  2. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Mission, Values, & History.

  3. The American Brain Foundation. Year in Review 2023.

  4. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Impact Report 2023

  5. The BrightFocus Foundation. Breakthroughs.

  6. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Our Story.

  7. Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Fundraising.

Meet the Author
Anna Nichols, senior living writer

Anna Nichols is a content specialist at A Place for Mom, primarily focusing on nursing homes and caregiver support. Her work has involved researching senior-friendly activities in cities across the U.S., as well as reporting on the challenges of long-distance caregiving. Anna holds a degree in English and education plus a master's degree in theology.

Reviewed by

Carrie Kirkpatrick, long-term care specialist

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

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