The Charleston Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (CCAD) is a new approach to funding research of the most common cause of dementia in older adults, Alzheimer’s disease (AD). CCAD joins established scientists with early-career investigators to support novel research ideas, foster cross-field collaboration, and create a forum for constructive criticism. The format of CCAD encourages innovative thinking by providing financial support to a select few early-career investigators whose promising studies push the frontiers of Alzheimer’s disease research.