Direct Service Grants in Illinois
Direct Service Grants in Illinois support organizations delivering new or strengthened services for older adults to fill service gaps and create lasting benefits for communities and the field of aging.
Funder: RRF Foundation for Aging
Due Dates: November 2, 2026 (LOI) | February 5, 2027 (Invited proposals) | May 5, 2027 (Invited proposals) | August 5, 2027 (Invited proposals)
Funding Amounts: Historically $50,000 over 12 months; no formal minimum or maximum request
Summary: Supports new or significantly strengthened direct services that fill gaps and create lasting, transformative benefits for older adults in Illinois.
Key Information: Applicants must pass an eligibility quiz and submit an LOI before receiving a full-proposal invitation.
Description
RRF Foundation for Aging funds direct service projects intended to have a profound, positive, and enduring effect on large numbers of older people in Illinois. Projects must launch a new program or significantly expand or strengthen an existing program to fill a service-delivery gap. The foundation seeks work that is transformative for an organization, community, or the field of aging, rather than continuation of services without substantial changes in strategy or focus.
Projects must address Age Equity, Caregiving, Housing, Economic Security, or Social Connectedness and apply an equity-focused, race-conscious lens where appropriate. RRF emphasizes actionable results that can be shared and scaled across organizations and settings. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of the aging network, strategic partnerships, contributions to existing knowledge, evaluation of impact, and potential to sustain the program beyond RRF funding.
