Founded in 1999 by Evelyn F. McKnight, the Foundation’s specific goal is to better understand and alleviate age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.

With cognitive changes due to the normal aging process potentially affecting up to 87 percent of people age 65 and older, the McKnight Brain Research Foundation works to champion research to better understand age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. As leaders in cognitive aging research, the Foundation is also committed to sharing its research findings and practical suggestions for maintaining brain health with the public.

In its first 23 years, the Foundation established Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institutes at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Arizona, and the University of Miami, and the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida.

By partnering with the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, and with the support of three Cognitive Aging Summits and the National Academy of Medicine Cognitive Aging Report, we have made great progress toward better understanding the effects of age-related cognitive decline and memory loss over the last two decades.

Grant Making and Sponsorship Support

As champions of cognitive aging research to help improve brain health, the McKnight Brain Research Foundation supports research in age-related cognitive decline and memory loss as well as scholarship programs that align with the McKnight Brain Research Foundation priorities. 

We do not make grants outside of our funding priorities. In general, we invite requests and applications through published Requests for Applications (RFAs) with our partners, including the McKnight Brain Institutes, the American Brain Foundation (ABF), the American Federation of Aging Research (AFAR), and the Foundation for the NIH on behalf of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), among others. Periodically, the McKnight Brain Research Foundation will release Requests for Applications in compliance with its vision and mission.  Unsolicited requests are not accepted.

Learn more about our opportunities for researchers here. 

Product Sponsorship and Endorsement

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation does not endorse any particular products or services. Specific products and services advertised by our partner organizations or sponsors are not directly endorsed or supported by the Foundation. 

The research, information and opinions offered by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation are intended only for educational purposes and not to serve as medical or pharmaceutical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding any of the information or advice shared via our website, online events and/or social media channels.