Responsive Grants in Advocacy, Professional Education, or Research (Technology & Aging Focus)

Responsive Grants in Advocacy, Professional Education, or Research (Technology & Aging Focus) is sponsored by RRF Foundation for Aging. Supports projects that leverage technology as a practical tool for enhancing the quality of life of older adults (ages 60+), with an emphasis on the dissemination, adoption, and practical application of established technology solutions and assistive tech for aging in place.

RRF Foundation for Aging Responsive Grants in Advocacy, Professional Education, or Research – August Cycle 2027 | Office of Research RRF Foundation for Aging Responsive Grants in Advocacy, Professional Education, or Research – August Cycle 2027 URL: https://www. rrf.

org/apply-for-a-grant/ RRF awards grants to high-impact advocacy, actionable research, and knowledge-sharing projects that have the potential to improve quality of life for older Americans across five key priority areas: age equity , caregiving , economic security , housing , and social connection . The foundation defines high impact as having a profound, positive, enduring effect on large numbers of older adults.

BU faculty may submit applications for one of the following three RRF grant types: Advocacy: To advance systems change, including the development, adoption, and enforcement of policies and practices, coalition building, and grassroots organizing. Actionable research: To seek solutions through policy research, dissemination and implementation sciences, and intervention studies that are generalizable to large numbers of people.

Knowledge sharing & awareness raising: To convey information, shape narratives, and drive positive change on aging issues through journalism, learning communities, media, and dissemination.

Across all priority areas and grant types, the RRF particularly welcomes proposals for projects that address or incorporate technology and digital literacy, intergenerational programs that cultivate age inclusivity, and the opportunities and challenges of solo aging.

Interested applicants can learn more about RRF grantmaking priorities and view similar grants funded by this call on the RRF website and in the foundation’s Strategic Direction Overview . For more information about the RRF Foundation for Aging’s grantmaking process and priorities, watch a recording of BU’s recent Meet the Funder event. 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. In 2026, awards amounts ranged from $50k to $390k with an average award of $100,000-$150,000 for 18 months across advocacy, education, and research areas.

Interested applicants can find more information on RRF’s Grant History page. RRF provides an Eligibility Quiz (opens 1 month prior to LOI deadline) to quickly assess the areas described below. If you are eligible and want to apply, you must complete the internal application process.

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 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 Internal Selection Process The internal selection process depends on whether your grants are managed by BU or Boston Medical Center (BMC).

Use the steps below to determine this information: Step 1: Open the BUMC Home Institution Finder Step 3: Follow one process : If you see BU or BU-CAMED, follow BU Process below If you see BMC, follow the BMC Process below BU may submit one LOI per department per deadline.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 12/1/2026 Proposal Abstract (500 words max) describing the aims of the proposed project, the target population, and how it aligns with RRF’s mission Fit with the Grant Pathway Statement (100 words max) describing how the proposed project fits the RRF Grant Pathway selected (i.e., Advocacy, Actionable Research, or Knowledge Sharing & Awareness Raising) As necessary, a faculty review committee will review internal applications and select the institutional nominee(s).

If your primary appointment is BU-CAMED and you have questions about this process or your application, please reach out to Julia Huntsman ( jhunts@bu. edu ) or Gahyun Yoo ( gyoo0818@bu. edu ) in the Proposal Development Office.

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 Wednesday, December 16 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.

BMC Expression of Interest Due: Wednesday, December 16, 2026 BU Internal Materials Due: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET Anticipated Notification Date: Friday, December 18, 2026 External Materials Due: Monday, February 1, 2027