The Retirement Research Foundation is committed to supporting programs that improve the quality of life for older persons in the U.S.  We have invested more than $115 million to help build a network of innovative and skilled individuals and institutions addressing aging and retirement issues.

In making grants, Foundation trustees are guided by a number of general policies and considerations, including: 

  1. Beginning in 2005, The Retirement Research Foundation's geographic restrictions will apply only to requests for support of direct service projects.  Such direct service requests will be considered only from applicants in these seven states:  Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Florida.  Requests for support of other types of projects will be considered from applicants in any U.S. location.

  2. Funding is generally limited to projects that are in keeping with the stated objectives. 

  3. The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative projects that develop and/or demonstrate new approaches to the problems of older adults and have the potential for regional or national impact. 

  4. The Foundation has a strong interest in serving the Chicago metropolitan area. Where projects of equal significance are under consideration, priority is given to proposals that benefit this geographic area. 

  5. Funding is not available for: 

  • Construction of facilities

  • General operating expenses of established organizations

  • Endowment or developmental campaigns

  • Grants to individuals

  • Projects outside the United States

  • Dissertation research

  • Production of films and videos

  • Projects of governmental organizations except for state universities, Area Agencies on Aging, and programs of the Veterans Administration.

  1. Funding is not generally available for:

  • Biomedical research

  • Computer equipment

  • Conferences, publications or travel unless they are components of
    other larger Foundation-funded projects

  1. More than three years of support generally is not provided. Second-and third-year funding of an approved project is dependent upon progress during the first and second years. 

  1. Organizations seeking funding must qualify under the regulations of the United States Internal Revenue Service.

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