This past weekend, RRF Foundation for Aging lost a special member of our community. Marilyn Hennessy, the Foundation’s first paid staff person, CEO, and President passed away. We shall try to honor and live out Marilyn’s spirit, grace, humility, and tenacity as we carry forth her legacy.
We are pleased to introduce RRF’s first issue brief: “Working Together to Achieve Economic Security in Later Life.” Watch our introductory video and read it here!
An RRF Op-Ed was published in Crain’s Chicago Business: “For older people, a financial booster shot.” Learn more here.
We are excited to share RRF’s newest online resource, our interactive Knowledge Center. Learn more about this new feature!
RRF welcomes Serena Worthington to its team! Serena has significant experience in aging services and advocacy at both the local and national level.
In June, Mary O’Donnell became the third president of RRF Foundation for Aging in its forty-year history. While the current pandemic prevents her from getting out and meeting with grantees and partners face-to- face, we invite you to get to know a little about Mary and RRF’s new direction through this short video.
RRF Foundation for Aging remembers Nathaniel McParland, M.D., RRF’s Chairman Emeritus and long-time Board member.
A message on racial injustice in the U.S. and RRF’s organizational values.
RRF is proud to be a Founding Partner of the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund. This Fund is fueled by collaboration, uniting contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals across metropolitan Chicago.
As her tenure as CEO of RRF Foundation for Aging draws to a close, Irene Frye shares her deep sense of appreciation for the opportunity to lead RRF during the last 11 years.
RRF Foundation for Aging fondly remembers the contributions made by Trustees Emeriti John F. Santos and Sr. Stella Louise Slomka, both of whom recently passed away. Each of them played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of RRF.
Acknowledging the extraordinary challenges of the present moment, RRF recognizes the need for rapid relief funding for nonprofits addressing the essential needs of older people and enhanced flexibility for our grantees.
As we all work together to understand the fast-moving nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, RRF Foundation for Aging is here. We are committed to supporting our grantee partners—and the older people they serve—during this challenging time. Read more about the flexibility available to RRF grantees.
In addition to our new name and grantmaking priority areas, the Trustees announce President Irene Frye’s decision to retire at the end of May, with Mary O’Donnell, Vice President, succeeding her.
The Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston recently announced the release of the 2019 Elder Index. This free tool allows users to find the true cost of living for older people in any U.S. county or state.
RRF Foundation for Aging requires interested applicants to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Read more to learn about RRF’s geographic eligibility, application instructions, and the deadlines for submitting your LOI.
We have a new name—RRF Foundation for Aging—one that pays tribute to our history and signals a bold new direction for our future.
The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) recently approved a strategic plan that reaffirms its strong commitment to improve the quality of life for older people. A centerpiece of our plan is the establishment of four priority areas in aging. Beginning in 2020, these four areas will be given higher priority within the Foundation’s grantmaking program.
Marilyn Hennessy who led RRF for 30 years and served as a Trustee for the past ten years has stepped down. John Bouman has been elected to serve on the Board of Trustees.
Learn about how recent RRF grants have helped to improve the lives of older adults by reading the latest version of our Grant Highlights Newsletter.
RRF welcomes Amy Eisenstein to our dedicated team of professionals working to advance the quality of life for older people.
The Board of Trustees recently approved a three-year strategic plan for The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF). As part of the plan, the Foundation established Strategic Priority Areas (SPAs), specific topics in aging that will be given higher priority within the Foundation’s grantmaking program. Click here to read more about the
We are pleased to announce an updated strategic plan, which will guide the Foundation’s grantmaking focus and active engagement over the next five years. This plan outlines updates to our priority areas and grantmaking approaches.
11/2025: This National Family Caregivers Month, RRF highlighted its updated employee/caregiver policy, recognizing the critical need for nationwide caregiver support.
October 9th marks Ageism Awareness Day. Check out RRF’s short video addressing ageism, age-bias, and fostering age-inclusivity.
RRF Foundation for aging
8765 W. Higgins Road, Suite 430
Chicago, IL 60631-4170
773-714-8080
