Alzheimer's Association

The association funds research across basic biology, drug discovery, clinical trials, and prevention studies through its International Research Grant Program and the Part the Cloud program. Since 2012, Part the Cloud has directed over $100M into early-phase clinical trials (per the Alzheimer's Association, 2023). The organization emphasizes investigator-initiated grants as well as targeted initiatives.

The Alzheimer's Association primarily makes grants to academic and nonprofit researchers, not direct equity investments in companies. However, the Part the Cloud program has funded companies conducting early-phase clinical trials. The association does not operate as a venture capital fund or family office.

In February 2024, the association launched a $100 million initiative specifically to increase representation in Alzheimer's clinical trials, addressing a longstanding gap in the field. The program funds sites and investigators focused on enrolling diverse populations (per Alzheimer's Association press release, February 2024).

The organization is governed by a national board of directors, which includes volunteers with expertise in research, business, and advocacy. The CEO, currently Joanne Pike, oversees day-to-day operations. The structure is typical of a large national nonprofit, with local chapters having their own boards.

The Alzheimer's Association funds research globally through its International Research Grant Program, which supports projects in over 50 countries. However, its primary operational focus remains in the U.S., where it has chapters in all 50 states.

Part the Cloud is the Alzheimer's Association's research program dedicated to funding early-phase clinical trials for Alzheimer's drug candidates. Launched in 2012, it has committed over $100 million to move promising therapies into human testing. The program is funded by donations, including from the Part the Cloud benefit event.