SGS Innovative Project Grants

Our Request for Proposals is Now Open!

Please review our Request for Proposals Instructions for more information. This opportunity is only available for SGS members. If you are interested in becoming a SGS member, learn more here.

The Southern Gerontological Society (SGS) is a network of the South’s most respected gerontology professionals, representing 14 southern states and the District of Columbia. SGS members include educators, students, aging network personnel, researchers, health professionals, and policy makers. The mission of SGS is to provide the bridge between research and practice, by translating and applying knowledge in the field of aging.

The southern region of the United States experiences high rates of poverty and social isolation, and chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. These circumstances may lead to decreased health and well-being of older adults, causing additional hardship to families and communities in the region. SGS is a leader in addressing these issues and makes a meaningful contribution to improving the quality of life of older adults in the South.

In 2018, SGS launched an endowment campaign with the goal of establishing a fund to help finance projects and initiatives that support SGS’ mission, but for which funding might not otherwise be available. While the endowment fund continues to grow, SGS remains committed to funding such projects and initiatives through fundraising and general funds. The SGS Board has allocated funds to support research and practice within the field of gerontology and focused on issues related to aging in the South.

Research, training, educational, or service-related proposals that support the mission of SGS will be considered. SGS conducts a survey of priorities with respect to aging in the South every three years. The 2021 SGS Priorities Survey found that Internet Access, Poverty & Income Inequality, Informal/Family Caregiving, Aging Services Workforce, and Health Disparities were among the most important priorities, as indicated by respondents. Priority will be given to proposals that address topics within one of the following five categories: Health and Well Being, Environment, Society, Technology, and Emerging Concerns. Further priority will be given to proposals that address one of the five priorities identified in the SGS Priorities Survey. The 2024 SGS Priorities Survey is under analysis. You can learn more about our Priorities Surveys here.

Timeline

• March 14, 2025 – Deadline for letters of intent
• March 31, 2025 – Applicants notified if their full proposal will be reviewed
• April 30, 2025 – Deadline for proposals
• May 31, 2025 – Applicants/Awardees notified of final decisions
• July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 – Grant Period

All deadlines are 11:59 PM EST on the provided date.

Please review the Request for Proposals Instructions for information on how to apply.