The vast majority of our funding is to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Historically, less than one percent of our funding has been to for-profit organizations, and always in instances where the institution's project is an excellent fit with our strategies and we felt they were best suited to do the work.

Amounts awarded and time periods vary widely and depend on the scope of the project. Over the last five years, we have made awards ranging from $3,000 to $23 million with time periods ranging from one month to five years. However, most grants are in the $100,000 to $300,000 range, and run from one to three years.

Each call for proposals has its own schedule of deadlines. Please make note of these deadlines when applying.

You may apply for multiple grants from RWJF, but each proposal must be for a distinct project.

One of our guiding principles states, “We must select grantees fairly.” We have processes in place to honor this principle including the requirement that proposal reviewers acknowledge our Guidance for NPO Staff and Reviewers on Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality Related to Proposal Review. Approximately seven percent of proposal reviewers have disclosed a conflict of interest. Those disclosures generally resulted in the reassignment of that proposal to another reviewer. The percentage is lower than what might otherwise be expected because often actual or perceived conflicts are known and avoided in advance by assigning the proposal to another individual for review.

If a two-step process is used, which involves submitting a brief proposal and then a full proposal, the review and approval time is between four and seven months. When only a full proposal is required, the review and approval process is between three and four months. For award details regarding a specific call for proposals (CFP), please check the key dates outlined in the CFP.

In many instances, RWJF asks outside experts on a particular topic to review proposals. By doing so, RWJF aims to ensure that we remain fair and rigorous in reviewing proposals. 

RWJF does not share copies of successful proposals. We consider proposals the intellectual property of the applicant and do not share them outside the Foundation.

A national program consists of a cluster of grantees and other interested parties who work together to create impact in one of the Foundation's areas of focus. National programs are generally long-term commitments that warrant the Foundation's investment in establishing and maintaining the infrastructure of an intermediary organization that supports the program activity (e.g., a national program office). Learn more about national programs and national program offices.

While national programs manage grants awarded across the country, organizations of any size may be awarded grants through them. Please review the eligibility requirements outlined in each call for proposals.

No. Any organization is welcome to respond to a call for proposal (CFP). Prospective applicants should read the CFP carefully to ensure that they meet eligibility requirements. Sign up to receive email alerts on upcoming CFPs.

RWJF awards most grants through calls or requests for proposals. We do, however, award a limited number of grants for projects that: 1) suggest new and creative approaches to solving health and health care problems; and 2) that fit squarely within our areas of focus and support our strategic objectives. To be considered for funding in this area, you must first submit a brief proposal.

All proposals submitted according to the established guidelines will receive a fair, comprehensive review. The Foundation does not provide critiques of proposals submitted. Please understand that if we decline a particular proposal, it is not a reflection of our opinion regarding the merit of your idea, nor is it a rejection of you, the grant applicant. In fact, many current grantees have had earlier proposals turned down.

The amount of time from receipt of the brief proposal to award varies greatly depending on the complexity of the project. However, awards for unsolicited proposals that fit the team's strategy typically take an average of three months.

We recognize that good ideas have no borders, and we fund grants that can help us learn from and adapt global ideas that can help build a Culture of Health in the U.S. RWJF works with Charities Aid Foundation of America on grants to organizations located outside the United States. Additional information about the role of Charities Aid Foundation of America will be provided to organizations invited to submit full proposals.

Complete instructions and materials for preparing your budget, and detailed information on indirect costs, will be provided in RWJF’s online system.

Organizations that are Public Charities, Exempt Operating Foundations and Governmental Entities

Private Foundations Other than Operating Foundations

Private Operating Foundations

Organizations Not Exempt Under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)