[RRF Foundation for Aging](https://www.rrf.org)

May 1, 2026: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline for Direct Service Grants in Illinois

Typical awards range up to ~$50,000–$100,000 per project; up to 10% of direct expenses may be allocated to indirect costs; one-year project budgets are common.

Supports innovative, equity-focused direct service projects that improve the lives of older adults in Illinois by addressing gaps in service delivery.

--- ## Description Direct Service Grants in Illinois, offered by the RRF Foundation for Aging, fund transformative projects that address the needs of older adults (age 60+) in Illinois. The program seeks initiatives that are innovative, fill gaps in service delivery, and apply an equity-focused, race-conscious lens where appropriate. Projects must address one of RRF’s priority areas—caregiving, housing, economic security, or social and intergenerational connectedness—and demonstrate potential for lasting impact on organizations, communities, or the field of aging. Successful proposals should show a clear understanding of the aging network, build strategic partnerships, and outline plans for sustainability beyond the grant period. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline for Direct Service Grants in Illinois *All applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before being invited to submit a full proposal. The eligibility quiz and LOI portal will re-open approximately one month before the deadline.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award amounts are typically in the range of $50,000–$100,000 per project, based on sample budgets and past awards. - Up to 10% of direct expenses requested from RRF can be allocated to indirect costs. - Project durations of one year are common, though multi-year proposals may be considered. - Applicants must develop realistic budgets that cover all necessary expenses for effective project implementation. --- ## Eligibility - Open to nonprofit organizations serving older adults (age 60+) in Illinois. - Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as Public Charities, or be eligible public entities such as state universities or Area Agencies on Aging. - Projects must directly benefit older people in Illinois and align with at least one RRF priority area. - RRF does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, private foundations, or projects outside the United States. - Exclusions include biomedical research, general operating expenses, construction, capital improvements, and ongoing programs without significant changes. --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Quiz**: Complete a required online eligibility quiz (re-opens ~1 month before deadline). 2. **Letter of Inquiry (LOI)**: Submit an LOI online by May 1, 2026, addressing project need, goals, objectives, target population, DEI lens, methods, evaluation, organizational qualifications, and budget overview. 3. **Full Proposal (by invitation only)**: If invited, submit a detailed application including executive summary, narrative, SMART(IE) objectives, budget, timeline, and supporting documents. Invited applicants have up to one year after the LOI deadline to submit. 4. **Review and Notification**: LOIs reviewed within ~6 weeks; funding decisions made ~3 months post-application. 5. **Reporting**: Grantees must submit interim and final reports as outlined in the award letter. --- ## Additional Information - Only one LOI per organization per cycle (exceptions for separate university departments). - Projects must show potential for sustainability and capacity to scale or disseminate findings. - Review the [general grant exclusions](https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/application-info-tips/) before applying. - Indirect costs are capped at 10% of the RRF request. - Sample budgets, narratives, and timelines are available on the program page. --- ## External Links - [Direct Service Grants Program Page](https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/direct-service-grants) - [RRF Foundation for Aging Home](https://www.rrf.org) - [Eligibility Quiz](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RRFeligibility) (re-opens before next LOI deadline) - [Application Info & Tips](https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/application-info-tips/) - [What We Fund: Priority Areas](https://www.rrf.org/what-we-fund/) - [Guide on Developing SMART(IE) Objectives (PDF)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/RRF-Guidance-on-SMART-Objectives.pdf) - [Evaluation Guidelines](https://www.rrf.org/resources/grant-resources/evaluation-guidelines) - [Budget Sample (PDF)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/Direct-Service-RRF-Budget-Sample.pdf) - [Budget Narrative Sample (PDF)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/Direct-Service-RRF-Budget-Narrative-Sample.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Address | 8765 W. Higgins Road, Suite 430, Chicago, IL 60631-4170 | | Phone | 773-714-8080 | | Email | [info@rrf.org](mailto:info@rrf.org) | | Online Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.rrf.org/contact-us/) |

Direct Service Grants in Illinois

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