Based in Chicago, the Retirement Research Foundation began awarding grants in 1979. John D. MacArthur incorporated the Foundation in 1950, but it did not become active and receive its endowment until the famous philanthropist’s death in 1978. The Foundation’s initial mission was “to conduct and provide for research concerning problems of individuals and industry arising from the retirement of workers from regular gainful employment, all for public welfare and for no other purpose.”

INITIATIVES

While nearly half of RRF grants are for programs in the Midwest, the Foundation supports innovative solutions that can assist older Americans nationwide. A sample of RRF-funded initiatives includes:

• 1985: The Personal Autonomy in Long Term Care initiative examined the ethical dimensions of long-term care, bringing about changes in practice and policy, and identifying new areas for further research.
• 1984-1998:The National Media Awards program encouraged excellence and accuracy in productions on aging and aging issues.
• 1988: The Community Awards Program (ENCORE) in Greater Chicago was launched to identify and reward exemplary programs conducted by churches, community organizations, and social-service agencies, and to encourage their replication.
• 1998:The Organizational Capacity Building program was launched to help nonprofit organizations make long-term improvements in their management and governance to help sustain services to the elderly.
• 1993-2006:The Congregation Connection Program increased the capacity of Chicago-area religious congregations to meet the physical and mental well-being needs of aging individuals.
• 2003:The Accessible Faith Program was initiated to help Chicago-area congregations make physical improvements that enable greater participation by older adults.
• 2006: The Mental Health Training Initiative funded the development and dissemination of tools to help rehabilitation and home-health professionals address depression in older adult patients.
• 2011: The National POLST Program Initiative will expand a movement to ensure that the preferences of older persons with life-limiting illnesses are honored. 
• 2011: The Economic Security Initiative will develop and test new tools that assist vulnerable older adults toward achieving greater economic stability.