Frequently Asked Questions
Dementia Care Innovation Grant FAQ
1. Funding and Proposal Logistics
1.1. How many Letters of Intent (LOIs) will be invited to submit a full proposal?
We anticipate between six to eight LOIs will be invited to submit a full proposal. All applicants will be notified whether or not they have been invited to submit a full proposal.
1.2. Will LOIs not funded this year be considered in future cycles?
Yes, LOIs not selected in this round will receive feedback and are encouraged to reapply in future years.
1.3. How many proposals will be selected to receive funding?
We will select up to four proposals to receive grant funding. The Notice of Award date is September 15, 2025. Available funding includes up to $100,000 in direct costs for each selected proposal.
1.4. What is the indirect cost rate?
A 10% indirect cost rate applies to all funded projects. No higher rates or additional fees are permitted.
1.5. What are the start and end dates for funded projects?
Project duration is one year, beginning October 1st, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
1.6. Can grant-funded programs later charge a fee (e.g., for certification) to support sustainability?
Yes. Sustainability planning is encouraged, and programs may charge a fee to continue beyond the grant period.
1.7. Is the funding limited to secondary data analysis, or can it support primary data collection?
Both secondary data analysis and primary data collection are allowed, as long as they can be completed within the one-year project timeframe. Projects already underway are ideal for primary data collection.
1.8. When will the next funding cycle open?
A timeline for the next funding cycle has not been finalized. Updates about future funding cycles will be posted on the StARS website and announced via the StARS mailing list. Join the StARS Learning Collaborative to stay updated on when we will release our next funding announcement.
1.9. What support is available from StARS during the LOI and application process?
During the LOI phase, the StARS Partnership and Engagement, Research Innovation, and Data Cores would be happy to discuss proposal ideas or answer related questions. To submit your question or schedule a consultation meeting, please email starscenter@umn.edu.
Applicants invited to submit a full proposal will receive pre-application guidance in the form of one or more virtual consultations from members of the StARS Administrative and Dissemination Core, the Partnership and Engagement Core, and the Data Core, led by the Research Innovation Core, to refine proposals, particularly on data collection plans and feasibility.
2. Eligibility and Organizational Participation
2.1. Are university researchers eligible to apply?
Yes, university researchers can apply if they provide dementia care services statewide. Otherwise, proposals should include state partners who directly provide dementia care services.
2.2. Can LLCs or for-profit organizations apply?
LLCs or for-profit organizations may participate as partners, but they cannot serve as lead applicants due to NIH restrictions, including the inability to charge a fee or exceed the 10% indirect cost rate.
2.3. Can multiple nonprofits that operate in different regions of a state apply collaboratively?
Yes, collaborative proposals are encouraged, particularly if they demonstrate how they will coordinate efforts to address statewide needs.
2.4. Does a nonprofit serving clients virtually across the country qualify as providing services statewide?
Possibly, if the nonprofit’s work significantly targets or benefits specific states and coordinates with state-level services. This should be discussed with the program leadership.
2.5. Can StARS help me connect with others in my state or region?
Yes, the StARS team encourages applicants to email the StARS inbox for help in connecting with local or regional partners. The StARS team can be reached at starscenter@umn.edu.
The StARS Center also hosts a Learning Collaborative that can facilitate cross-state and regional connections amongst its members.
Please note, we will not share the names or contact information of Learning Collaborative members or grant applicants without their consent.
3. Program Scope and Priorities
3.1. Can proposals target regional initiatives or specific areas within a state?
Yes, proposals can focus on specific regions or sub-regions within a state, or multi-state areas. However, applicants should explain how their work addresses statewide needs or informs state-level policy.
3.2. What types of projects are most likely to be funded?
Projects MUST be about dementia care or integrated and coordinated care programs for people with dementia and/or their caregivers. Projects that focus on the collection of new data, secondary data analysis, or harmonization of data to facilitate multi-state, state-wide, or within-state evaluations leading to policy or program improvements for integrated and coordinated care programs are the priority.
3.3. Should proposals align with StARS program goals or state-specific needs?
Proposals should ideally align with both StARS program goals and state-specific needs. Strong proposals will demonstrate how they bridge these two areas.
3.4. Can we test a new program?
New programs are fine, but only as long as they involve collecting, merging, or sharing data on coordinated/integrated dementia care programs at the state or sub-state level, or provide potential for replication and data incorporation.
4. Collaboration, Data Collection, and Knowledge Sharing
4.1. What support is provided for data sharing and use?
The Data Core team will work directly with grantees to develop data use agreements and define sharing mechanisms that balance grantee control and open access. Guidance on data collection plans and feasibility will also be provided.
4.2. What is the NIA LINKAGE Program, and how does it relate to StARS?
The NIA LINKAGE Program is a secure platform that enables researchers to link their project data with existing datasets (e.g., CMS claims). It is encouraged for use, as it can enhance research opportunities, although it is not a requirement for StARS projects. The Data Core team is available to discuss NIA LINKAGE with applicants and determine if it is a good fit for their project. More information about NIA LINKAGE can be found at https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/dbsr/nia-data-linkage-program-linkage
4.3. What is the typical time lag for data availability in the NIA LINKAGE platform?
The timing for data availability depends on when your project data is collected and when CMS data becomes available. Historical data typically integrates more easily, while real-time data may have more variability.
4.4. Will StARS support knowledge sharing across funded sites?
Yes, grantees will be invited to share their findings through a Learning Collaborative, which will include other grantees, states, providers, and researchers. The goal is to promote scaling of proven models and policies and avoid duplicative efforts.