Foundation grants

Through our annual grant program, we fund three key areas related to aging:

  • Research to better understand and address the complex needs of older adults
  • Post-secondary training in the field of geriatrics and gerontology
  • Innovative projects that promote social engagement

All grants are awarded based on each project’s relevance to applicable funding criteria and the opportunity for broader application of learnings. Grant applications are reviewed by a peer review committee made up of experts in each focus area.

We issue Canada-wide calls for proposals at least once a year.

Latest grant

In November 2019, we announced $100,000 in new funding for projects that:

  • advance our collective knowledge about the impact of social isolation and loneliness on “friend and family caregivers”
  • and/or that evaluate interventions to improve their social engagement and mental health

Friend and family caregivers are defined as individuals who provide informal and unpaid care, typically to seniors over 65 years of age.

We invited expressions of interest from researchers across Canada and awarded four grants of $25,000, based on the recommendations of our expert peer review committee.

How to apply for a grant

The application period for the last call for proposals has ended. If you would like to be notified about our next call for proposals, please contact Deanna Byrtus by email at [email protected] or by phone at 416-962-9463 ext. 271.

Past grants

  • 2016 – $100,000 for aging research and the training of post-secondary students in geriatrics and gerontology
  • 2016 – $50,000 to create a Social Participation Fund for the Hamilton Seniors Isolation Impact Plan

Grants

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Social isolation grant triggers cascade of positive outcomes in Prince Edward County
Social isolation grant triggers cascade of positive outcomes in Prince Edward County

In 2017, the RTOERO Foundation provided a $25,000 grant to The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association, a non-profit organization in Prince Edward […]

RTOERO Foundation donors make dementia research possible
RTOERO Foundation donors make dementia research possible

Students interacting with dementia patients received training on interpersonal communication strategies through an education program called the Gentle Persuasive Approach. The education program, made possible […]

Two new grants awarded in 2020
Two new grants awarded in 2020

The RTOERO Foundation’s most recent call for proposals focused on ways to better understand and address the issue of social isolation among friend and family […]

RTOERO Chair in Geriatric Medicine

In 2014 we funded the endowed RTOERO Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Toronto.