For Applicants

Our preference is for projects that will both: 1) test the effects of specific interventions on one or more of the three drivers (mindsets and expectations, sense of community, and civic engagement) and 2) measure resulting health impacts. However, we also anticipate funding research that addresses either of the aims independently.

While the drivers should serve as anchors for the Action Areas, the specific terminology used to describe each should not be viewed as rigid definitions, but as points of reference to help conceptualize the elements of a shared value system. The drivers each embody an array of related constructs and measures, which collectively point to the importance of shared values in promoting population health. We know that around the country people are actively working on these issues, although they may not think about their endeavors in the same way RWJF has framed them. 

Health and well-being outcomes can include a variety of physical, mental, social, and emotional health and well-being indicators, in addition to behaviors or other factors that are well-established determinants of health. Examples of appropriate measures might include (but are not limited to): clinical measures, child developmental benchmarks, measures of stigma, social isolation or connectedness, or access to care or services. Proposed outcomes that are not well-established indicators of health should be justified by explaining the theoretical or empirical basis for how the measure is anticipated to influence health.

While the majority of funding will be dedicated to research that is specific to or will benefit disadvantaged children and families, other populations of interest will be considered. 

Yes. Applicants may submit multiple LOIs, serve as a partner for another organization's LOI, and/or resubmit a refined or new LOI if an original submission is not accepted. While there are no rigid restrictions against multiple submissions from the same researcher, the diversity of the grantee pool will be a factor in funding decisions. Therefore, we encourage you to think critically about the relative strengths of the projects for which you are considering submitting LOIs.

There is no set budget limit per-grant, and you should request the amount of funding needed to complete your proposed projects. However, a total of up to $2.5 million will be awarded under this Call for Proposals, and we expect to support multiple projects. 

Preference will be given to applicant organizations that are either institutes of higher education, public entities or nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code but other types of nonprofit and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicant organizations must be based in the United States or its territories.

A variety of research designs can help improve the evidence base for a Culture of Health. Researchers might focus on: independent evaluations of program or policy implementation, randomized trials, quasi- or natural experiments, secondary analyses of existing data, qualitative or mixed methods, network or systems analyses, or other study designs and methods. In most cases an appropriate comparison group should be included in the study design. While randomization may be ideal, we recognize that randomized controlled trials are not always feasible. Other methods of comparison such as a wait list control or various matching techniques may also be acceptable. We also encourage applications that leverage existing programs or studies already funded through other sources.

Yes, applicants that have other active RWJF grants may apply. 

Yes, interested applicants may apply for other RWJF grants.

Successful LOIs adhere to the template in the application system, My.RWJF.org, to address three major questions:

• What will be gained from this work? (~1/2 page)
• What are the specific research question(s) or hypotheses that will be examined and how will this be accomplished? (~1 page)
• What are the qualifications and capacity of the team to conduct the proposed research? (~1/2 page)

LOIs should focus primarily on outlining the research approach, describing the rigor of the design, and demonstrating the importance and actionability of the outcomes. Only applicants who present clear, compelling, and innovative connections between their proposed research and creating a national Culture of Health will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.

For examples of E4A funded research projects see our Grantees Page. 

No, approximately 10% of applicants are invited to submit a Full Proposal.  LOIs will be evaluated on fit with the topics described in this solicitation and the Culture of Health action framework; importance of the potential contribution to our understanding of a Culture of Health and how to achieve it; and feasibility.  Only LOIs that are well aligned with these criteria will be invited to submit Full Proposals.

Due to significant interest in the program we are only able to advance a small proportion of the LOIs we receive to the full proposal stage. Promising projects that meet all criteria except design rigor my be referred to Technical Assistance. If you have specific questions about why your LOI was turned down you may contact the NPO.

There is no deadline for submission. The program operates on a rolling acceptance basis, so LOIs may be submitted at any time.  

Funds may be used for personnel, consultant fees, data collection & analysis, meetings, supplies, project-related travel, other direct expenses, and up to 12% in overhead or indirect costs. In general, it is not appropriate to buy office equipment or office software with program funds. However, if office equipment or software essential for conducting research (i.e., collecting or analyzing data) is needed and justified in the budget narrative, and the cost does not exceed five percent of the total direct costs in the budget, it is acceptable to include such items.

You should request the amount of funding you will need to complete your proposed research project.  In the case of multi-year proposals, budget requests should reflect the entire grant period (up to 36 months), as opposed to an annual amount. When entering the budget request at the LOI stage, round up to the nearest hundred as opposed to estimating to the exact dollar amount.

Budget requests should be inclusive of both direct and indirect costs.  The Foundation’s approved rate for indirect costs is 12% of all project costs (Personnel, Other Direct Costs, and Purchased Services). However, if the Purchased Services category equals more than 33% of the total of Personnel, Other Direct Costs and Purchased Services, RWJF allows 12% indirect on Personnel and Other Direct Costs, and 4% on Purchased Services.  Keep in mind that personnel funding that leaves the Lead Applicant Organization is considered “Purchased Services”.  For further detail about permissible uses of grant funds please see the related FAQ.

No, matching funds are not required, but supplemental funding is welcomed and encouraged.  The ability to leverage other funding for the proposed research project will not be a formal criterion for awarding grants, but it may be a consideration in the decision-making process.