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Our Commitment to Our Grantees

A message of support during the COVID-19 outbreak

Exterior of RWJF corporate headquarters.

During these unprecedented times, our first priority remains the health and safety of our staff and the Foundation community. We are thinking of you and the impact that COVID-19 is having on your lives and lives around the country. Our hearts go out to all the people who have become ill; to those who have lost jobs; to the children who are not in school; and to everyone whose world has been disrupted and who worries about the health and safety of themselves, their families, and their communities.

 

As per our Guiding Principles, we act as good stewards of private resources, using them to advance the public’s interest with a focus on helping the most vulnerable. This has never been more important than now. In response to the present public health emergency in our communities, workplaces, and homes, we are making significant adjustments to our grantmaking processes.

First, we are here for you. We want you to know that while the Foundation closed its physical offices and shifted to remote operations for as long as public health officials believe it is necessary, we are continuing to work along with you in building a Culture of Health grounded in health equity, even in these challenging times. Foundation operations will continue uninterrupted: you can expect payments on schedule, and our program staff are available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Second, we are committed to being flexible to address the challenges you face. We understand that timelines, deliverables, and other aspects of your grant, contract, or collaboration may need to change, and we invite you to reach out to your Foundation contact so they can work through that with you.

Third, we want to learn from you. You can help us respond to your needs and the needs of the people and communities you serve by sharing the challenges you face, and the solutions you see that are making a difference. 

We are committed to staying in touch with you during this trying time. One way we will do this is by providing answers to frequently asked questions and sending additional communications updates as new information becomes available. 

For now, we strongly encourage you to:

- Make health and safety your top priority. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please see resources on CDC and NIH websites, as well as guidance issued by your state and local public health authorities. 

- Follow your organization’s policies, procedures, and guidelines.

- Stay in close contact with your Foundation contact. If you want to discuss questions or concerns—please consider them your initial point of contact. 

We will get through this challenging time, and we will get through it together with patience, kindness, and compassion for each other and for those in our communities who are most affected and at risk. We will stand stronger than ever in our shared commitment to a fair and just opportunity for everyone in America to be healthy and to thrive.

Wishing you peace and health,

Rich