URL: https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/
Objectives
RRF funds research that seeks to identify interventions, policies and practices to improve the well-being of older adults and/or their caregivers. RRF is particularly looking to fund projects aimed at generating practical knowledge and guidance that can be used by advocates, policy-makers, providers, and the aging network, especially the following:
- Interventional trials; translational studies; and health services and policy research
- Projects that build on the investigator’s past studies
- Proposals that include robust dissemination plans, if appropriate, to assure that findings reach audiences positioned to act on them
Interested applicants can view similar grants funded by this call on the RRF website.
Funding Information
RRF Foundation does not indicate a minimum or maximum funding amount. Funding is provided based on realistic budgets that include all expenses needed to effectively implement the proposed project. 10% of the requested amount can be allocated to indirect costs.
Eligibility
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 older
- Proposing a project that will have national relevance across the U.S. or regional relevance within the state of Illinois
RRF generally does not fund:
- Projects that are not intentionally focused on older people, age 60 and above
- Projects outside of the United States
- Grants to individuals
- Lobbying
- General operating expenses or support for ongoing programs without significant changes in strategy or focus
- Biomedical research, basic theory development for social science research, or research and development for new technology
- Construction of facilities, capital improvements, or computer equipment
- Conferences, publications, or production of films and videos unless they are integral components of a larger project
- Dissertation research, tuition expenses, or education programs for undergraduate or graduate students
- Endowments, capital campaigns, or fundraising events
- Private foundations
- Financial deficits
Internal Selection
The internal selection process depends on whether your grants are managed by BU (CRC, BUMC) or Boston Medical Center. If you are unsure whether your grants are managed by BU or BMC, please consult the BUMC Home Institution Finder. Use that information to guide which process you follow below.
BU Process
BU may submit one LOI per school/college per deadline. Interested investigators should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 12/8/2025
- Questions in InfoReady Review
- 500-word (maximum) Abstract describing the aims of the proposed project and how it aligns with RRF’s mission
As necessary, the relevant Associate Dean of Research (ADR) will review applications and recommend candidates.
BMC Process
BMC may submit one LOI per cycle. If you are a BUMC faculty member who works in BMC space or you are a fellow whose faculty advisor is a BMC investigator, please contact the Program Manager of Strategic Research Growth, Carolina Giudice (carolina.giudice@bmc.org) by 12/1/2025 to express interest in this opportunity.
BMC investigators do not submit applications through InfoReady Review for this LSO. BMC investigators should contact Carolina for guidance on next steps.
Deadlines
BMC – Expression of Interest Due: Monday, December 1, 2025
BU – Internal Materials Due: Monday, December 8, 2025 by 11:59 pm ET
Anticipated Notification Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Letter of Inquiry Due: Sunday, February 1, 2026 by 11:59 pm CT