91ÌƲ®»¢

Applications due Sept. 15, 2026

These instructions are for VU investigators. VUMC investigators should contact LSO@vanderbilt.edu for more information.

91ÌƲ®»¢ University may submit one LOI per department to the November 2026 cycle.

Overview

RRF’s Supporting Advancements in the Field of Aging includes three grant pathways available to 91ÌƲ®»¢ PIs:

• : RRF funds advocacy projects that focus on improving public policy for older persons. Of particular interest are projects that:
  • Advance policy issues of critical importance to older people such as economic security, caregiving, housing, etc.
  • Use clearly focused and strategic efforts to address systemic problems
  • Forge partnerships with organizations to achieve better use of resources and to share knowledge
• : RRF funds knowledge sharing and awareness-raising projects that convey meaningful information, shape narratives, and drive positive change related to one of our five priority areas: age equity, caregiving, economic security, housing, and social connection. Of particular interest are projects that:
  • Establish or expand focused learning communities to educate professionals in the field of aging and aging-related fields
  • Disseminate models, tools, and strategies that improve quality of life for older adults and their caregivers
  • Build awareness campaigns to inform and engage diverse stakeholders in meaningful solutions
  • Engage and educate journalists, the media, and non-traditional partners on aging issues to reach large numbers of the general public
• : RRF funds research that seeks to identify interventions, policies and practices to improve the well-being of older adults and/or their caregivers. Preference is given to projects aimed at generating practical knowledge and guidance that can be used by advocates, policy-makers, providers, and the aging network. Of particular interest are:
  • 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

RRF grants range between $15,000 and $500,000 for flexible periods (six months to three years).

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should coordinate with their department chairs. Department chairs must submit their department’s nomination to vu-lso@vanderbilt.edu and must copy the nominee to that message. The following should be included:

• Nominee’s name
• Their project’s working title
• Targeted grant pathway (one of the following)
  1. Advocacy Grants
  2. Knowledge Sharing and Awareness Raising Grants
  3. 91ÌƲ®»¢ Grants

Nominations should be submitted by Sept. 15, 2026.

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.