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Today The Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation (RWJF) is deeply invested in combating the devastating
effects of illegal drug use and the abuse of alcohol and tobacco.
It is one of three goals that define our grantmaking priorities.
In 2000, 26 percent of the grant money we authorized*—almost
$140 million—went toward programs to address substance abuse.
But we have not always been so committed
to addressing substance abuse. Before the late 1980s substance abuse
was hardly on our radar screen. Looking back, it is striking that
a Foundation whose mission is “to improve the health and health
care of all Americans” overlooked smoking, the number one preventable
cause of death—not to mention drug and alcohol abuse, which
do so much damage to our nation’s health and social fabric.
It was in 1991 that the Foundation formally
adopted a goal of reducing substance abuse. Since then we have learned
a great deal about the problem, efforts to address it, and the nature
and extent of the role one philanthropy can play. Our 10-year experience
has given us a perspective on the future, one that teaches us what
we are best suited to do, and gives us hope for continued progress.
HISTORY
Why did we not see combating substance abuse—especially tobacco
use—as a worthy philanthropic initiative? Part of this was
due to RWJF’s heavy focus on the health care portion of its
mission—especially access to care—in its first 20 years.
But other obstacles also prevented the Foundation from taking the
plunge into the field of substance abuse, including tobacco control.
Many of our efforts have been staff driven and in our early years,
there were no advocates on staff who pushed for our involvement.
Related to that was the stigma of substance abuse, which made this
issue difficult for some people to embrace. Also, tobacco was part
of our culture, as reflected in the smoke-filled meetings of our
own Board. Finally, there was deep concern because taking on tobacco
use and alcohol abuse meant a position against some powerful industries.
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*Authorized funds are approved in the year indicated and paid in
that year or subsequent years.
© Copyright 2002 The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
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