RRF: Research Grants

RRF: Research Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Retirement Research Foundation
Last Updated: April 03, 2026

Summary

The RRF Foundation for Aging offers research grants aimed at improving the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Established in 1950, the foundation has awarded over $239 million to support innovative projects nationwide. Grants are targeted at nonprofit organizations proposing research with immediate implications for adults aged 60 and older, with a focus on practical knowledge and dissemination to impact policy and practice.

Overview

Note:  If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, LOIs and proposals will be accepted as late as 5:00 PM (CT) the following workday. RRF Foundation for Aging Based in Chicago, RRF Foundation for Aging (formerly known as The Retirement Research Foundation) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that was incorporated in 1950 by John D. MacArthur and was endowed at the time of his death in 1978. Since 1979, RRF has awarded more than $239 million to support projects that enhance and improve the quality of life for older people. While nearly half of RRF grants support programs in the Midwest, the Foundation also supports innovative solutions that assist older Americans nationwide. Following a thoughtful strategic planning process, in 2019 the Board of Trustees approved our new name—RRF Foundation for Aging. This new identity reflects our strong history and our unwavering commitment to improve the lives of older persons. Research Grants RRF funds research that seeks to identify interventions, policies and practices to improve the well-being of older adults and/or their caregivers. Preference is given to projects aimed at generating practical knowledge and guidance that can be used by advocates, policy-makers, providers, and the aging network. Of particular interest are: Interventional trials; translational studies; and health services and policy researchProjects that build on the investigator’s past studiesProposals that include robust dissemination plans, if appropriate, to assure that findings reach audiences positioned to act on them

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Research Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations that are:Proposing applied research projects that have immediate and direct implications on the adult population, age 60 and olderProposing a project that will have national relevance across the U.S. or regional relevance within the state of Illinois.

Ineligibility

RRF generally does not fund:Projects that are not intentionally focused on older people, age 60 and aboveProjects outside of the United StatesGrants to individualsLobbyingGeneral operating expenses or support for ongoing programs without significant changes in strategy or focusBiomedical research, basic theory development for social science research, or research and development for new technologyConstruction of facilities, capital improvements, or computer equipmentConferences, publications, or production of films and videos unless they are integral components of a larger projectDissertation research, tuition expenses, or education programs for undergraduate or graduate studentsEndowments, capital campaigns, or fundraising eventsPrivate foundationsFinancial deficitsRRF does not award grants to governmental agencies, except for state universities, area agencies on aging, and programs of the Veterans Administration.