This funding will support case studies of accountable care organizations (ACOs) as they develop in the private market. The supported case studies will examine facilitators and barriers to the success of select ACOs, including an overview of each ACO’s market, environmental, and organizational contexts. The case studies will additionally examine the potential effects of the ACOs on a variety of outcomes, including: clinical quality, cost, patient experience, and disparities.

The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting case studies about ACOs that have developed among safety net providers, in order to understand their potential impact on vulnerable and diverse populations.

• Up to three $400,000 projects will be funded, for up to 24 months.
• Please note: the payment schedule for these grants may vary from the standard RWJF payment schedule. If selected for funding, you will be informed of the payment schedule at the time the award is made.

• August 15 and 16, 2012 (12 p.m.–1 p.m. ET)—Applicant webinars. To play back a recording, please visit http://bit.ly/RkKOfg for August 15 or http://bit.ly/S104wV for August 16.
• September 5, 2012 (3 p.m. ET)—Deadline for receipt of online brief proposals.
• October 10, 2012—Applicants notified if they have been invited to submit a full proposal.
• November 6, 2012—Deadline for receipt of online full proposals.
• December 6, 2012—Notification of awards.
• March 15, 2013—Grants start.

The Foundation may give preference to applicants that are either public entities or nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not private foundations or Type III supporting organizations. Applicant organizations must be based in the United States or its territories. We may request additional documentation.

Consistent with RWJF values, this call for proposals embraces diversity and inclusion across multiple dimensions, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, and disadvantaged socioeconomic status. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will help us expand the perspectives and experiences we bring to our work. We believe that the more we include diverse perspectives and experiences in our work, the better we are able to help all Americans live healthier lives and get the care they need.

Full selection criteria can be found in the Call for Proposals.