Toward a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.

A man and woman coddle a newborn baby.

 

Our three generational goals to transform health in our lifetime

Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing

A future where our tax and caregiving systems ensure all families don't have to choose between paying for meals or paying their bills.

Equitable and Accountable Public Health and Healthcare Systems

A future where our health systems are trustworthy and accountable to their communities—delivering high-quality care for all.

Healthy and Equitable Community Conditions

A future where everyone has access to safe drinking water and housing; where jobs pay a living wage; where all residents are treated with respect and dignity; where communities flourish.

Attendees of a Ku.éex' (Tlingit ceremony) held in Angoon in October 2024, during which the U.S. Navy issued a formal apology for the bombardment of the Angoon community in 1882. Photo: Brian Adams for RWJF.

"As the nation’s leading health philanthropy during a time of calculated attacks against our democracy, our communities, and our health—we hear the call. And we will answer." 

Read the message

Richard E. Besser, MD

RWJF President and CEO

Challenging our institutions and systems to do better.

We tackle the root causes of structural racism and other forms of discrimination across seven systems that shape our lives.

Community Development

We're working to ensure safe, affordable places to live and easy access to healthy food, clean water, and good job opportunities.

Economic Inclusion for Families

We envision U.S. tax and caregiving systems that support caregivers, so all families have the resources they need to raise thriving children.

Government

We envision a more inclusive, effective, and multiracial democracy where everyone can participate in the political processes that impact health.

Health Science Knowledge

We're working to broaden how we collect, share, and use data, including cultural and community knowledge, to prioritize health equity.

Healthcare

We're working toward affordable and respectful healthcare, with a diverse workforce that values different cultures' approaches to health.

Media

We envision news, TV, movies, and social media with more diversity, less bias, and more complete stories about health.

Public Health

We envision a public health system that is trustworthy and accountable to communities, supported by funding, data, and capacity to advance health equity.

Affirming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are increasing investments to diversify the health professions; supporting the efforts of partners working toward racial equity; and funding the preservation of critical health research, particularly data broken down by racial and ethnic subgroups.

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Amplifying community wisdom for greater impact.

Our grantees are challenging harmful norms and fighting for racial equity to improve the health of their communities.