Deadline:

Jan 4, 2008 - Closed

Program Area:

Building Human Capital, Vulnerable Populations

Purpose:

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) New Connections Initiative is designed to expand the diversity of perspectives that inform RWJF programming and introduce new researchers and scholars to the Foundation, while simultaneously helping to meet staff needs for data analysis that measures progress towards program objectives. New Connections invites Senior Consultants from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities to address specific questions posed by one of RWJF’s program areas. Senior Consultants are individuals who have the expertise and/or research skills necessary to address relevant issues in health and health care. Consultants from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities include individuals from ethnic or racial minorities or low-income communities, first-generation college graduates, or others who have historically been underrepresented in research disciplines supported by RWJF.

In Round 3, Senior Consultants will receive awards up to $50,000 each to undertake research projects based on the topics for study listed in the Call for Proposals. All funding is expected to last one year. Senior Consultants are eligible for contracts made with them directly, or grants may be awarded to their home institution.

In Round 3 of New Connections, we ask applicants to address research questions from six programming areas: Health Insurance Coverage, Human Capital, Pioneer, Public Health, Quality/Equality and Vulnerable Populations.

Program Information:

• Call for Proposals

Eligibility & Selection Criteria:

Senior Consultants applying for the New Connections Initiative must demonstrate:

• evidence of expertise and/or research skills addressing various aspects of health and health care;
• familiarity with the goals and mission of RWJF and specific interest areas;
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the United States or its territories at the time of application; and 
• that they are from a group that has historically been underrepresented in the research activities supported by RWJF, such as people from ethnic or racial minority groups, first-generation college graduates and people from low-income communities.

The following factors will be used in the selection process: 

• Significance and relevance of proposal to RWJF and team-specific questions.
• Uniqueness of the proposal. Will new evidence about the topic be developed? Does it provide a major contribution to the understanding of the problem? How will the proposed work complement or respond to existing literature on the topic? Is the proposed work likely to produce new information or will it use different data to confirm prior research results? 
• Demonstrated expertise in the area of study proposed.
• Familiarity with the goals and mission of RWJF and its specific interest areas.
• Clarity of product and deliverable as described in the proposal.
• As appropriate, consultants must have the ability to link with appropriate community resources for their project, such as businesses, schools, local agencies (e.g., transportation, recreation, social services), faith-based or social service organizations, media, food services, local health departments and local funders.

This project is intended to attract first-time grantees and consultants to RWJF. Alumni of the Foundation’s Human Capital programs are also eligible to apply.

Read the Call for Proposals  for more details on the specific research questions identified by the six program areas participating in this solicitation.

Key Dates:

• December 5, 2007 (12:00–1:30 p.m. ET)—Optional applicant Web conference call for Senior Consultant brief proposal applicants. To register, please visit www.rwjf-newconnections.org.
• January 4, 2008 (3:00 p.m. ET)—Deadline for receipt of brief proposals (must be submitted online).
• February 4, 2008—Select applicants invited to submit full proposals.
• February 13, 2008 (12:00–1:30 p.m. ET)—Optional applicant Web conference call for Senior Consultant full proposal applicants. To register, please visit www.rwjf-newconnections.org.
• March 13, 2008 (3:00 p.m. ET)—Deadline for receipt of full proposals (must be submitted online).
• April 21–25, 2008—Finalist interviews.
• May 9, 2008—Notification of awards.
• June 1, 2008—Start of awards.

Total Award:

Senior Consultants are eligible to receive a total grant award of up to $50,000 each. Grant funds may be used to cover the costs associated with completing all research, consulting services, methodological training and travel. Grantees will be expected to meet RWJF requirements for submission of final narrative and financial reports. In keeping with RWJF policy, grant funds may not be used to subsidize individuals for the costs of their health care, to support clinical trials of unapproved drugs or devices, to construct or renovate facilities, for lobbying, or as a substitute for funds currently being used to support similar activities.

Contact:

Catherine West, National Urban Fellow
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
rwjf-newconnections@rwjf.org
Office: (609) 627-5770
http://www.rwjf-newconnections.org

Related Materials:

• View National Program Office


• View Program FAQs