The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) understands this, and they’re putting their money where our collective mouths are. This Chicago-based foundation, which has awarded over $239 million since 1979, is inviting applications for projects aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults.

What They’re Looking For

The RRF is focusing its grantmaking on several key areas, all of which are pretty relevant to us GenXers:

• Caregiving: Many of us are either providing care or anticipating the need to care for our parents.
• Housing: Finding suitable and affordable housing as we age is a growing concern.
• Economic Security in Later Life: This is the big one. Are we really prepared for retirement?
• Social and Intergenerational Connectedness: Staying engaged and connected as we age is crucial for our well-being.

They’re open to supporting a variety of initiatives, including advocacy, direct service programs, professional training, research, and efforts to build the capacity of organizations working with older adults. While their priorities are clear, they’ll also consider other aging-related projects.

Why This Matters to Generation X

We’re the generation that came of age with 401(k)s instead of pensions, and let’s be honest, many of us haven’t exactly aced the whole retirement savings thing. Studies show a significant percentage of us aren’t confident about our retirement prospects. CBS News reports that nearly half of us feel we’ll need a “miracle” to retire comfortably.

The National Institute on Retirement Security paints an even bleaker picture, noting that many GenXers have alarmingly low retirement savings. We’re facing a potential “retirement nightmare,” with rising costs, economic uncertainty, and a lack of traditional pension plans.

What Can We Do?

While the RRF’s call for projects is aimed at organizations, it highlights the urgent need to address the challenges facing older adults, including us. It’s a reminder to take stock of our own retirement planning, seek professional financial advice, and advocate for policies that support economic security in later life.

The clock is ticking, Gen X. Let’s make sure we’re ready.

References

• Philanthropy News Digest. (2025, April 10). Retirement Research Foundation invites applications for projects in aging. Retrieved from https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/rfps/rfp17668-retirement-research-foundation-invites-applications-for-projects-in-aging
• Holy Schmidt!. (2024, October 17). Gen X is in BIG Financial Trouble – Here’s Why [Video]. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpDVGJcJLvg
• CBS News. (2024, June 18). Retirement bites? Almost half of Gen Xers say they’ll need a miracle to retire. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-gen-x-half-need-a-miracle-to-retire-150000-in-assets/
• National Institute on Retirement Security. (2023, July 12). New Report Finds Alarming Retirement Outlook for Generation X. Retrieved from https://www.nirsonline.org/2023/07/new-report-finds-alarming-retirement-outlook-for-generation-x-3/

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