While RWJF awards most of its grants through calls for proposals (CFPs), we also award grants in response to unsolicited proposals in our Building Human Capital, Pioneer and Vulnerable Populations program areas. RWJF accepts unsolicited proposals at any time in these three program areas and issues awards throughout the year. There are no deadlines.

Criteria for Unsolicited Proposals

Through unsolicited proposals, RWJF seeks to learn from grantees' ideas and cultivate new ideas. The most promising unsolicited proposals will:

• address the strategic objectives of the Building Human Capital, Pioneer or Vulnerable Populations program area
• be new and/or innovative
• be best suited for funding through RWJF—rather than through local, public or private sources of funding
• be sustainable without relying on ongoing RWJF funding
• show potential for measurable impact and meaningful change.

Submitting an Unsolicited Proposal

We require that all applicants initiate the process of applying for an unsolicited grant by submitting a three-page online brief proposal using the application form provided in How to Apply.

Talking with RWJF Staff

You do not need to talk with RWJF staff before submitting an unsolicited proposal in order for it to be reviewed or supported. If you have, though, please tell us in your proposal.