New funding announced for 2020 grant program
The RTO/ERO Foundation is pleased to announce $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. These are defined as individuals providing informal and unpaid care, typically to seniors over 65 years of age.
Expressions of Interest must be submitted to the Foundation by midnight EST on Sunday, January 19, 2020. Following careful consideration by the grant review panel, a select list of applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. Selected applicants will be contacted by January 31, 2020.
According to Statistics Canada, as Canadians age, friend and family caregiving becomes increasingly important to the well-being of seniors. An estimated 3.8 million Canadians aged 45 or older are providing unpaid care to a senior with a short- or long-term health condition. These are individuals who provide assistance with tasks such as transportation and personal care. They help seniors remain in their homes, thereby reducing demands on the health care system.
For the first time, the Foundation is inviting expressions of interest from researchers across Canada. Four grants of $25,000 will be awarded, based on the recommendations of our expert peer-review panel.
For more information and/or to receive a copy of the Call for Expressions of Interest please contact Deanna Byrtus by email at dbyrtus@rto-ero.org or by phone at 416-962-9463 ext. 271.
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Help us raise $100,000 to fund research to reduce the impact of social isolation on seniors!

About the Foundation
Inspired by the generosity and philanthropic spirit of the retired education community, the RTO/ERO Foundation invests in its bold vision — to enhance the quality of life for aging adults — by funding: – Aging-related research and training – Innovative community initiatives that promote social connections and engagement among older adults With each carefully-vetted project, the Foundation’s goal is to create impact beyond the grant project partner, and to deepen knowledge across sectors that affect aging Canadians. Since 2014, the Foundation has invested $2.8 million in enhancing the aging experience. Learn more about the Foundation.
Imagine a Canada where seniors get the care and support they need, where, when and how they need it. A Canada where we have a better understanding of the different dimensions of aging, and more health professionals are trained to apply that knowledge.
And envision a rising number of seniors who play an active role in the things that matter to them. Seniors who are part of daily life – around their neighbourhoods, as volunteers, in the workplace and across generations.
That quality of life is the dream of the RTO/ERO Foundation.
Established in 2011 by the Retired Teachers of Ontario, and inspired by the philanthropy of its members, we share that dream with over 75,000 RTO/ERO members, families, partners and friends.
We invite you to join us in our collective effort to enhance the quality of life of aging adults. Explore our website to see how…