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FAQs

Questions and answers about Tobacco Policy Change - Round 2. (return to call for proposal)

  1. What is the Tobacco Policy Change program?
  2. Why focus on people most affected by tobacco-related disease and exposure?
  3. How is the program administered?
  4. What kind of funding is awarded to Tobacco Policy Change grantees?
  5. Where can I find information on tobacco control?
  6. How will Tobacco Policy Change grantees and staff coordinate with other tobacco control organizations and initiatives?
  7. How does the grant application process work?
  8. How many grants will the Foundation fund?
  9. What will happen to the funded projects after the grant period is over?
  10. Who should apply for funding?
  11. Who should not apply for a grant?
  12. If my organization does not have 501c3 status, is my organization still eligible to apply?
  13. What types of partnerships should applicants have in place before applying for a grant?
  14. If an applicant organization receives tobacco industry funding for other projects within the organization, is the organization still eligible to apply?
  15. If my organization has not worked on tobacco control issues before, can we still apply for this grant?
  16. Can an applicant organization serve as the lead agency for multiple grants?
  17. Can an applicant organization participate in more than one proposal?
  18. Can more than one application from the same state be submitted?
  19. Can an application focus on more than one policy objective?
  20. Do I need matching dollars to apply for this grant?
  21. What qualifies as a cash match?
  22. What is an in-kind contribution?
  23. The CFP outlines that applicants cannot use funds from RWJF and RWJF-funded programs to meet the matching funds requirement. What RWJF-funded organizations cannot provide match dollars for this CFP?
  24. Can an applicant organization use existing contributions as cash match?
  25. What if an applicant organization raises less cash match than anticipated in the submitted proposal?
  26. Do all of the matching funds need to be unrestricted dollars?
  27. What percent of the match funds need to be unrestricted?
  28. How can I learn more about the program besides what is on the Frequently Asked Questions?

  1. What is the Tobacco Policy Change program?

    Tobacco Policy Change: A Collaborative for Healthier Communities and States is a national initiative supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that provides resources and technical assistance for community, regional and national organizations and tribal groups interested in advocating for effective tobacco prevention and cessation policy initiatives.

    The goals of the program are to:

    • Support innovative projects that can change tobacco policy through partnerships with or collaboration among groups most affected by tobacco use.
    • Maintain policy gains and momentum in communities, states and regions.
    • Strengthen and diversify the state and national tobacco policy change infrastructure.

  2. Why focus on people most affected by tobacco-related disease and exposure?

    Particular communities of people have been traditionally underserved by tobacco control initiatives, and they suffer disproportionately from tobacco-related disease, exposure and targeted tobacco industry marketing. These communities include various ethnic groups, people who have low socioeconomic status, and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The smoking rate and severity of tobacco-caused diseases may be higher among these groups due to lack of access to health care and lower likelihood of tobacco-related disease screening in health care settings. These problems often are further exacerbated when communities lack strong tobacco control policies, such as comprehensive clean indoor air laws, or when existing laws or regulations are not enforced. Efforts to address tobacco-related problems in these communities face several barriers, including:

    • Recent trends in funding for tobacco control advocacy have tended to exclude community-based organizations serving people who suffer most from the consequences of tobacco use.
    • Tobacco control initiatives and outreach strategies often fail to reach these communities.
    • There is a pressing need for training, research, targeted public education, and other communications to support tobacco control advocacy in these communities.
    • Tobacco policy work may not be perceived as a top priority given the range of health, social and other problems facing these communities.

  3. How is the program administered?

    The program is administered by RWJF staff and consultants to the Foundation who are very experienced in tobacco control. The program grant review process is rigorous to ensure fairness, integrity and program effectiveness. Two advisory committees of local and national policy experts have been carefully selected to carry out the grant review process and provide technical assistance to grantees after they have been selected. RWJF staff and consultants responsible for the Tobacco Policy Change program include:

    • Michelle Larkin, R.N., M.S., senior program officer
    • Karen Gerlach, Ph.D., M.P.H., senior program officer
    • Joseph Marx, senior communications officer
    • C. Tracy Orleans, Ph.D., senior scientist
    • Marjorie Paloma, M.P.H., program associate
    • Karen Rowden, grants administrator
    • Beverly J. Alston, program team coordinator
    • Carla Freeman, M.A., senior program consultant
    • Kitty Jerome, M.A., senior program consultant
    • Jerry Spegman, J.D., senior program consultant

  4. What kind of funding is awarded to Tobacco Policy Change grantees?

    Grants will vary in range from $50,000-$150,000 depending on the scope of work proposed and the matching funds raised by the applicant.

    RWJF funds may be used only for project staff salaries, project-related travel, supplies, communications and public education, a limited amount of equipment (e.g., project-related computers, fax machine, printers) and other expenses directly related to project implementation.

  5. Where can I find information on tobacco control?

    Some good sources of information about tobacco control include:

  6. How will Tobacco Policy Change grantees and staff coordinate with other tobacco control organizations and initiatives?

    Program grantees and staff will work closely with other tobacco policy advocacy programs and initiatives both locally and nationally. Many of RJWF's current grantees working in tobacco control will be providing technical assistance to the program's grantees after they are selected. In addition, RWJF engages in strategic planning, program development and other collaborative work with leading national tobacco control organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Legacy Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Office on Smoking and Health.

  7. How does the grant application process work?

    The application process has one stage--submission of a proposal and budget narrative (not to exceed 12 double-spaced pages in 12-point font, excluding the budget information). Proposals (narrative and budget) must be made through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system, which will be available beginning June 1, 2005.

    Applications must be submitted and received by 3 p.m. EDT on August 1, 2005. Finalists will be notified by September 28, 2005, at which time matching fund documentation, lobbying prohibition letter and a signed conflict of interest statement will be required.

    The 12-month grant period is scheduled to begin December 1, 2005.

  8. How many grants will the Foundation fund?

    The exact number of grants is not determined. This is the second of three rounds of year-long funding cycles. If an applicant organization does not receive funding in this round, it can apply in the next round provided it meets the eligibility criteria.

  9. What will happen to the funded projects after the grant period is over?

    Over the course of the grant, RWJF staff and consultants will work with Tobacco Policy Change grantees to help the organizations leverage additional resources for future tobacco control work. RWJF expects all organizations funded through this program to continue their tobacco policy advocacy work and their commitment to sustaining that work after the grant period ends.

  10. Who should apply for funding?

    RWJF is specifically interested in funding and collaborating with:

    • Community-based organizations
    • Regional groups
    • Private sector partners
    • Organizations with broad-based public health representation (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, etc.).

    The Foundation believes working with groups like this will strengthen the depth and diversity of state and community advocacy membership for long-term, sustained attention to tobacco policy change. In addition, applicants must have demonstrated success in policy advocacy and grassroots organizing, particularly in communities or states most affected by tobacco-related disease and exposure.

    Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or tribal groups recognized by municipal, state or federal government entities.

  11. Who should not apply for a grant?

    The following should not apply:

    • Organizations that do not have verifiable success in policy advocacy and grassroots organizing, nor those that cannot or will not commit to continuing this work beyond the grant period should not apply for a grant under this program.
    • Organizations that currently accept funding or other support from tobacco companies, or have tobacco industry employees or board members involved in decision-making positions within the organization should not apply. Additional details regarding eligibility criteria can be found in the Call for Proposals.
    • Organizations that are not tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or tribal groups not recognized by municipal, state or federal government entities. No organization classified as a private foundation under Section 509(a) will be considered for funding.

  12. If my organization does not have 501c3 status, is my organization still eligible to apply?

    No.  As stated in the Call for Proposal, non-501c3 organizations are not eligible to receive funds from RWJF.  A proposal from an unincorporated coalition, alliance or partnership among several organizations must designate one of the member organizations that has 501c3 status to be the lead applicant in the proposal.

  13. What types of partnerships should applicants have in place before applying for a grant?

    Applicants should consider partnerships with organizations that can directly support their work in tobacco control policy change, including those organizations that:

    • Can strengthen the organization's influence and credibility in the applicant’s community/state or region
    • Are committed and willing to provide resources to help the applicant organization sustain policy advocacy work after the RWJF grant period ends.
    • Can provide matching cash support

  14. If an applicant organization receives tobacco industry funding for other projects within the organization, is the organization still eligible to apply?

    No.  If an organization currently receives any tobacco funding then it is not eligible to apply. In addition, an organization is not eligible to apply if a member(s) of the tobacco industry or its affiliates have representation on the organization's board or are in a decision making role within the organization.

  15. If my organization has not worked on tobacco control issues before, can we still apply for this grant?

    Yes.  As long as the organization has significant experience and success in policy advocacy and community organizing (e.g. organizing a diverse constituency to engage decision-makers in establishing or changing policies, such as laws or regulations, to protect and improve public health) then it can apply. A commitment and ability to continue tobacco policy advocacy work beyond the grant period is also essential.

  16. Can an applicant organization serve as the lead agency for multiple grants?

    Yes.  An applicant organization can serve as the lead agency for multiple grants.

    For example, an organization may apply on behalf of the region that it coordinates. The same organization could also serve as the lead organization for a particular state initiative.

    Organizations that are considering applying for multiple grants in this round are strongly encouraged to consider organizational partners to be lead agencies on subsequent applications.

  17. Can an applicant organization participate in more than one proposal?

    Yes.  An applicant organization can participate in more than one proposal. For example, an organization might serve as the lead agency for a large, state-wide initiative and may also serve as an organizational partner for a smaller project.

  18. Can more than one application from the same state be submitted?

    All applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be reviewed for the Tobacco Policy Change program. More than one application from a state can be submitted; however, in it is unlikely that RWJF will fund two proposals focusing on the same policy issue within the same geographical area. The Tobacco Policy Change program aims to support strategic policy efforts throughout the nation.

  19. Can an application focus on more than one policy objective?

    Yes. However, applicants need to keep in mind that the grant period is only for one year, and it may be very difficult to work effectively toward more than one policy objective during this time frame.

  20. Do I need matching dollars to apply for this grant?

    If your organization has not received funds through the Tobacco Policy Change program in the past, grants up to $50,000 do not require matching funds. Grants between $50,000-$150,000 require 1:1 cash match in hard cash. 

    If your organization was funded in Round One of the Tobacco Policy Change program, your organization must apply with match dollars to be eligible to compete in this funding cycle.  Grants up to $50,000 will require $25,000 match; a 1:1 match is required for grants between $50,000 and $150,000.

    Matching funds must come from non-RWJF sources (e.g., no funds from other RWJF programs or grantees).  Finalists will be required to provide copies of recent bank deposits, audit reports and other financial information pertaining to the matching funds requirement. Proof of matching funds will be verified by RWJF staff before monies are awarded.  Matching funds need to be applied to the activities related to the RWJF grant. 

  21. What qualifies as a cash match?

    Cash match is defined as cash in hand that an applicant organization can contribute to the proposed policy advocacy efforts. Applicant organizations are asked to include a brief description of how it will utilize the cash match to achieve its proposed policy objective.

    The purpose of the cash match is to expand the funding base and support for tobacco policy advocacy efforts, increase sustainability and to provide flexible resources for activities that the RWJF cannot fund.

    Some questions to help you determine whether contributions qualify as cash match are the following:

    • Can the funds be used to support your proposed policy objective for the RWJF Tobacco Policy Change program?
    • Are the dollars flexible? During the life of the grant, can the dollars be shifted to accommodate policy activities?  e.g., Your organization is working on a clean indoor air campaign. Your organization, using non-RWJF funds, has hired a lobbyist to work with your city council. After several months, it becomes clear that your community requires additional public education before introducing an ordinance. Can the project director on the RWJF grant re-allocate the match dollars (supporting a lobbyist) to accommodate these shifting priorities? If yes, then these funds are flexible.

    NOTE:  Grantees funded in Round One of the Tobacco Policy Change program must apply with match dollars to be eligible to compete in this funding cycle. Grants up to $50,000 will require a $25,000 match; a 1:1 match is required for grants of $50,000 – 150,000.

  22. What is an in-kind contribution?

    An in-kind contribution is a service/item donated in place of a cash contribution. Some examples include staff time, office space, office materials.

    In-kind contributions add to the overall strength of the efforts, and although very important to the success of the efforts, are not considered cash match contributions for the purpose of applying for an increased grant award from the RWJF.

  23. The CFP outlines that applicants cannot use funds from RWJF and RWJF-funded programs to meet the matching funds requirement. What RWJF-funded organizations cannot provide match dollars for this CFP?

    There is an extensive list of RWJF grantees on the www.rwjf.org website, however if you are unsure about whether or not an organization is funded through RWJF, please contact them and inquire if they are a grantee. The proposed match dollars cannot be provided from RWJF funds. Several key organizations funded through the Foundation include the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Americans for Non-Smokers Rights, and The Praxis Project Inc.

  24. Can an applicant organization use existing contributions as cash match?

    Existing contributions can qualify as cash match if 1) it is cash in hand, 2) it is not an in-kind contribution, 3) it can be used toward activities and efforts to achieve the proposed policy objective outlined in the application and 4) the dollars are flexible (e.g. the cash match allows for the spending for activities, at the discretion of the project director, to successfully achieve the proposed policy objective)

    The RWJF requires verification from the Grantor or funding entity acknowledging and supporting the use of granted funds to achieve the proposed policy objective outlined in the application to the RWJF.

    The purpose of the cash match is to expand the funding base and support for tobacco policy advocacy efforts, increase sustainability and to provide flexible resources for activities that the RWJF cannot fund.

  25. What if an applicant organization raises less cash match than anticipated in the submitted proposal?

    Each applicant organization should outline an estimate of the match dollars within its proposal. Once an applicant organization becomes a finalist, the organization is required to provide documentation to the Foundation to confirm the amount of match dollars. If the dollars are less than anticipated, the applicant organization would continue to be a finalist however the proposed plan would need to be reviewed in light of the reduced resources. The best case scenario is the grant award would be adjusted to meet the cash match requirement; the worst case scenario is the proposed plan would no longer be viable for funding given the reduced resources available.

  26. Do all of the matching funds need to be unrestricted dollars?

    No. While unrestricted funds are encouraged, this grant project does require funds to be exclusively unrestricted; cash match needs to be flexible in order to support the goals of the project.

  27. What percent of the match funds need to be unrestricted?

    Applicant organizations should determine the proportion of unrestricted funds needed to successfully carry out the proposed policy plan.

  28. How can I learn more about the program besides what is on the Frequently Asked Questions?

    Webcasts have been scheduled to answer questions about the application process, the grant project and goals.  Potential applicants can register to attend an informational webcast. Additionally, an email address has been set up for inquiries.

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Questions?

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact our Office of Proposal Management via e-mail or at (877) 843-RWJF (7953), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.

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