Deadline:

Jul 13, 2007 - Closed

Program Area:

Vulnerable Populations

Purpose:

Note: For this CFP only, please use the unsolicited brief proposal form to apply.

This initiative aims to give immigrants and refugees the tools and support they need to improve and maintain their own health. Today, more than 30 million immigrants and refugees live in the United States. They often have high rates of chronic health problems, due at least in part to difficulties they have getting appropriate social and health services. Language barriers, lack of education and cultural differences sometimes make it harder for immigrants and refugees to obtain culturally appropriate services, outreach or other information that could help them live healthier lives.

The Vulnerable Populations Portfolio is interested in new community-based approaches to health and health care problems faced by immigrants and refugees. We seek projects that address:

• How health and social systems can accommodate the unique needs of different and changing immigrant and refugee populations

• How communities can engage in helping immigrants and refugees maintain and improve their health

• What strategies can overcome barriers that immigrants and refugees face when trying to access health and social services

To be considered, proposals must address ways for improving the health of new residents by linking how social factors—language skills, significant cultural differences, poor education, and poverty—affect health outcomes.

We are interested in projects that address helping new populations integrate into their communities. RWJF is especially interested in providing support to organizations outside the formal network of health care providers, such as grassroots organizations, faith-based organizations and advocacy organizations (rather than traditional providers, such as hospitals and medical clinics).

Examples of projects that have received funding in the past:

• A health literacy program, in partnership with a local clinic, that teaches English as a second language to new immigrants by incorporating health issues like nutrition, how to navigate the health care system and how to find a medical "home."

• A domestic violence program for new immigrants that focuses on ways to keep victims of abuse with their families, in keeping with their cultural beliefs, instead of relying on traditional approaches like shelters and domestic abuse hot lines.

This is the last round of proposals for Fresh Ideas. The final review deadline is July 13, 2007.

Note: For this CFP only, please use the unsolicited brief proposal form to apply.

Program Information:

• Call for Proposals

Eligibility & Selection Criteria:

Applicants may be either public entities or nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Projects that will not be considered for funding:

• Projects to continue existing programs or services

• Direct medical/clinical services and other safety net efforts

• Disease-specific only projects

• Research or evaluation only (not part of overall program)

Your grant award request can not exceed 50 percent of your organization’s annual budget. Alternatively, you may partner with an organization that has an administrative infrastructure to oversee the accounting of the award funds.

Total Award:

• Grants up to $300,000 (maximum grant award) for up to three years will be available. Under this initiative, we will fund eight to 10 projects for 2007.
• Your grant award request can not exceed 50 percent of your organization’s annual budget. Alternatively, you may partner with an organization that has an administrative infrastructure to oversee the accounting of the award funds.

Related Materials:

• View Program FAQs