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

May 1, 2026: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline for Research Grants

Typical awards range up to ~$150,000 over 1–2 years; indirect costs capped at 10% of direct costs.

Supports research that develops practical interventions, policies, and practices to improve the well-being of adults aged 60+ and their caregivers.

LOI is required; eligibility quiz must be completed before access to the application.

--- ## Description RRF Foundation for Aging’s Research Grants fund applied research projects that seek to identify interventions, policies, and practices to improve the well-being of older adults (age 60+) and/or their caregivers. The Foundation prioritizes research that generates actionable knowledge for advocates, policy-makers, providers, and the aging network, with a particular focus on interventional trials, translational studies, and health services/policy research. Projects should have immediate, direct implications for older adults, aim for regional or national relevance, and include robust dissemination plans to reach audiences positioned to act on findings. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline for Research Grants (LOIs accepted no later than 11:59 PM CT) --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award size is up to approximately $150,000 for projects lasting 1–2 years, based on recent budget samples. - Indirect costs are capped at 10% of the direct expenses requested from RRF. - Budgets should be realistic and include all necessary expenses for effective project implementation. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be: - Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (public charities), or - Nonprofits not required to have 501(c)(3) designation, such as state-funded universities and Area Agencies on Aging. - RRF does not fund: - Individuals, governmental agencies (except state universities, Area Agencies on Aging, and VA programs), or private foundations. - Projects not focused on adults 60+, projects outside the U.S., projects based in institutional healthcare settings, lobbying, general operating expenses, biomedical/basic research, construction, capital improvements, or fundraising campaigns. - Dissertation research, tuition, or education programs for students. - Only one LOI/proposal per organization per cycle (exceptions for separate university departments). - Projects must have national (U.S.) or Illinois regional relevance. --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Quiz**: Complete an online eligibility quiz to confirm project fit; access to the LOI form is granted upon passing. 2. **Letter of Inquiry (LOI)**: - Submit online by May 1, 2026, 11:59 PM CT. - LOI includes organizational details, project summary, goals and objectives (using [SMART(IE)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/RRF-Guidance-on-SMART-Objectives.pdf)), target population, DEI lens, methods, evaluation plan, and a brief budget overview. 3. **Full Proposal**: - By invitation only (after LOI review). - Invited applicants have up to one year after the LOI deadline to submit a full proposal. - Full proposals require more detailed narratives, budgets, timeline, staff qualifications, and supporting documentation. 4. **Review & Award Timeline**: - LOI review decisions ~6 weeks after deadline. - Funding decisions ~3 months after full proposal submission. - Grant funds typically released ~2 months after approval. 5. **Reporting**: - Interim and final reports required as specified in the award letter. --- ## Additional Information - All applications must be submitted via the RRF online portal. - If the LOI deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is extended to 5:00 PM CT on the next business day. - If an LOI or proposal is not invited/funded, applicants must wait a year to resubmit for the same project. - Review [past grants](https://www.rrf.org/about-us/grant-history/) for award history and examples. - Use [SMART(IE) objectives](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/RRF-Guidance-on-SMART-Objectives.pdf) and include a DEI lens where possible. --- ## External Links - [RRF Research Grants Program Page](https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/research-grants) - [Eligibility Quiz](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RRFeligibility) - [Application Info & Tips](https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/application-info-tips/) - [Budget Sample (PDF)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/Research-RRF-Budget-Sample.pdf) - [Budget Narrative Sample (PDF)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/Research-RRF-Budget-Narrative-Sample.pdf) - [Timeline Sample (PDF)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/Research-RRF-Timeline-Sample.pdf) - [SMART(IE) Objectives Guidance (PDF)](https://www.rrf.org/wp-content/uploads/RRF-Guidance-on-SMART-Objectives.pdf) - [FAQs](https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/application-info-tips/faqs/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Website | [https://www.rrf.org](https://www.rrf.org) | | Email | [info@rrf.org](mailto:info@rrf.org) | | Phone | 773-714-8080 | | Mailing Address | 8765 W. Higgins Road, Suite 430, Chicago, IL 60631-4170 | | Contact Form | [Contact RRF Foundation for Aging](https://www.rrf.org/contact-us/) |

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