For nearly 20 years, the Friends of BrainHealth donor circle has made significant financial contributions to advance important BrainHealth research. Since its inception, the group has raised $6 million and given nearly 70 seedling grants.
The 2027 awards will continue to position Center for BrainHealth researchers to successfully compete for multi-million-dollar state grants from the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). This institutional preparation will accelerate broad-scale, translational research over the coming decade.
Joining Friends of BrainHealth at the $1,000 giving level and above ensures your invitation to the Ramona Jones Friends of BrainHealth Luncheon – featuring presentations from top-tier BrainHealth scientists and a live "Shark Tank"-style contest between emerging researchers competing for critical seedling funds to launch independent studies.
The link above will take you to the UT Dallas Giving page.
2027 Friends of BrainHealth Co-Chairs: Katie Doherty and Laine DiStefano.
Take part in promoting brain health research by joining a collaborative group of highly engaged donors who strive to elevate translational research and assure robust brain fitness for all.
Since 2008, the Friends of BrainHealth donor circle has raised $6 million and launched dozens of cutting-edge cognitive research studies, exploring new ways to enhance, protect and restore brain health across the lifespan.
Choose from six membership levels below.
Competing finalists at the 2026 Friends of BrainHealth Scientist Selection Luncheon. The in-person audience voted on projects designed to compete for multimillion-dollar state grants from the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).
Select your giving level and support our dementia-related research:
🧠 Visionary Friend ($25,000)
🧠 Distinguished Friend ($10,000)
🧠 Esteemed Friend ($5,000)
🧠 Special Friend ($2,500)
🧠 Friend ($1,000)
🧠 Companion ($500)
The link above will take you to the UT Dallas Giving page.
HELP CREATE LIFE-CHANGING STUDIES
Friends of BrainHealth has launched dozens of cutting-edge cognitive studies to explore new ways to enhance, protect and restore brain health across the lifespan.
This trailblazing donor circle's Emerging Scientist Award inspires a new generation to lead the next era of transformative brain health breakthroughs.
Get details on the grant application process→
Watch past recipients share the impact of Friends grants at the 2026 update luncheon: accomplished scientists engaging in the next wave of academic research at Center for BrainHealth, medical breakthroughs in private practice, and corporate strategy at Lockheed Martin.