- Grant Program Overview
- Proposal Elements
- Other Support for Project
- The Budget
- Timetable & Review Process
- Online Grantmaking System
- About NJHI
- Application Process
Grant Program Overview
How do you define “community?”
For this initiative, a community could be a town, township, municipality, city or county.
How do you define “existing coalition?”
An existing coalition is one that has a track record of its partners working across sectors to address community health priorities. Applicant coalitions should have a strong understanding of the progress, successes and lessons from their work and have identified opportunities for advancing their efforts.
How do you define “upstream?”
By “upstream” we mean working with all community stakeholders to address the factors that influence health prior to the onset of disease and illness. These factors include: income, employment, education, early childhood development, housing, nutrition and the built environment.
What do you mean by “acceleration?”
“Acceleration” refers to taking action that builds on previous or current work to improve health in your community. Applicants must be able to provide clearly identified strategies and projects currently underway or identified as a priority in their community that can be implemented through this funding and have a potential long-term policy-, systems-, or environmental-change in their community.
Is there a recording of the applicant webinar from February 2, 2018?
Yes, you can access the webinar recording by clicking here.
Can this be a planning grant?
The focus of this initiative is to support communities to take action. While planning is an action, the most competitive applications will be focused on addressing upstream challenges.
Must coalitions have been in business for a minimum length of time in order to apply?
There is no specific length of time for a coalition to have been in existence. It must be able to provide a track record of collaboration and working to address health challenges in its community.
Our community coalition has identified health priorities, but we have not yet designed or implemented strategies to address them. Are we still eligible to apply?
The Upstream Action Acceleration initiative is intended for coalitions that have already designed and begun implementing strategies to improve community health.
If the existing coalition is already funded by NJHI and our nonprofit is one of its partners, would we be eligible to apply to strengthen a component of the existing collaboration?
Yes, this would be considered for funding.
Can our proposal focus on more than one area, such as data collection, food insecurity and environmental changes?
Your proposed initiative may focus on more than one area, but competitive proposals will include strong rationale for how the focus areas will accelerate upstream action in the community. You must also be able to elaborate on how your resources will be devoted to each area.
Would a proposed initiative enabling lower-income households to live in affordable housing in walkable, healthy communities with transit access qualify for funding?
This is an area of focus that would be considered for funding in this initiative. Remember that providing strong rationale for the selected health factor areas and upstream strategies will make for a more viable proposal.
Our proposed initiative focuses on one or more chronic conditions. Should we focus solely on one condition?
Environmental-, policy- and systems-change strategies have the potential to impact multiple chronic conditions and health factors. We encourage applicants to frame proposals on these types of upstream strategies that can potentially impact more than one chronic condition.
Would FQHC primary care work toward community health as part of a coalition be an upstream action? Is access to preventive care eligible?
There are upstream concepts that address access to care. You do not have to focus on one topic area for this initiative, and you would have to provide a strong rationale in your brief proposal. Use of grant funds to provide health care is not an allowable expense.
How does the requirement to be broad-based intersect with the requirement that the project accelerate the coalition’s work in specific focus areas? Would a coalition that works to improve family stability be considered issue-focused?
Our interest is in supporting existing coalitions that have the capacity to drive upstream community health improvement. We know that health and community priorities can shift over time, so our interest is in broad-based coalitions whose focus is not limited to one health issue. With that said, the coalition’s work under this funded initiative should focus on an aspect of their efforts that can be built upon or leveraged to accelerate their broad health improvement efforts.
When you say that more than one coalition from a given geographical community won’t be funded, do you mean that if NJHI has funded a coalition in a community in a previous grant opportunity, that another coalition shouldn’t submit a proposal in response to this call for proposals?
We encourage partnership among coalitions with the same broad-based community focus. However, we will review all proposals submitted and funding decisions will be made based on the merit of the proposal, including the presentation of the coalition’s strength and track record of collaboration and working together to address health challenges in its community.
Would evaluation of our coalition’s work qualify as an example of the Effective Use of Data Tools and Resources to Guide Actions focus area?
We do not intend for this funding to be used solely for measuring the impact of a coalition’s existing work. Some examples of the focus area of Effective Use of Data Tools and Resources to Guide Actions might include using existing data resources in a community to better drive work and decision making or developing a system to share data across agencies in a community. Click here to view some examples of work in the focus areas mentioned in the NJHI: Upstream Action Acceleration call for proposals. This list contains only a small number of examples and should in no way be considered an exhaustive list. Also, this list does not represent project ideas that are endorsed by NJHI. These are merely examples to help potential applicants think about potential projects in their communities.
Do you expect community residents to be active participants in applicant coalitions?
Yes. The inclusion of community residents provides valuable insights to inform coalitions’ work, and resident-driven strategies have been proven vital to sustaining meaningful change in a community.
Can you expand on the example areas of focus mentioned in the call for proposals?
Click here to view some examples of work in the focus areas mentioned in the NJHI: Upstream Action Acceleration call for proposals. This list contains only a small number of examples and should in no way be considered an exhaustive list. Also, this list does not represent project ideas that are endorsed by NJHI. These are merely examples to help potential applicants think about potential projects in their communities.
Will RWJF provide project evaluation support?
All grantees will be required to participate in cross-site/cohort evaluation activities. Applicants are encouraged to describe their capacity to do local-level evaluation specific to their proposed initiative.
Will grants be awarded exclusively to coalitions addressing the areas of focus named in the Call for Proposals?
The areas of focus referenced in the Call for Proposals are those in which we have a particular interest. Proposals are not required to address them, and applicants may suggest other areas of focus based on past or current initiatives in their communities.
When will the grants begin?
The grants will begin December 1, 2018.
How does NJHI announce its funding initiatives?
NJHI funding initiatives are announced through calls for proposals on the NJHI web site, and in the Funding Opportunities section of the RWJF web site at www.rwjf.org. NJHI also announces its funding initiatives, and shares updates regarding available applicant resources on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow NJHI on these platforms, and bookmark the NJHI web site, to stay aware of the latest funding initiatives and other announcements.
Does NJHI release calls for proposals on a specific date or at a specific time of the year?
What if an organization wants to inquire about possible NJHI funding opportunities outside of the annual call for proposals?
We are always interested in hearing about work happening in the state, or ideas that could be implemented to help all New Jerseyans live the healthiest lives possible. Contact us
What is the average length and amount of a NJHI grant?
The typical amount of a NJHI grant ranges from two to four years and between $150k and $200k. However, smaller or larger grants may be awarded depending on the initiative.
How can I learn about your next funding initiative?
At the end of the grant, is there an opportunity to receive additional funding?
We do not provide continuation funding to our grantees, however you may be eligible to apply for future funding from NJHI.
Can the grant dollars be applied toward an existing program or model? Or do we have to create a new project?
Funding through this initiative is not intended to support the exploration of new programs or models, but to accelerate current work, or advance previous work.
How many grants will you award under NJHI: Upstream Action Acceleration?
Up to 16 grants will be awarded under this program.
Who is eligible to apply for funding under this program?
Applicant organizations must be 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 non-functionally integrated Type III supporting organizations.
Examples of applicant organizations include, but are not limited to local health and human service agencies, K-12 education, colleges and universities, hospital systems, faith-based organizations, local government, government agencies or departments, nonprofits, or other eligible entities interested in making lasting changes to build a Culture of Health in their communities. While the applicant organization will be one entity, grant funding is intended to support the strategies and work of the coalition. The applicant organization may serve as a fiscal sponsor for the coalition. If applicable, the applicant should review and sign a fiscal sponsor letter (included in the online application), which outlines the expectations of fiscal sponsors.
Complete eligibility criteria is listed in the call for proposals.
My organization is part of a community-focused coalition. Can we apply for funding under NJHI: Upstream Action Acceleration?
Yes. In your proposal narrative you will describe your organization’s involvement in this initiative and why your organization should serve as the applicant representing the coalition.
What is your definition of a coalition?
While we do not endorse any one definition of coalition, we would describe a coalition as a group of organizations and individuals representing multiple sectors from their community cooperating in joint action together for a common purpose. For the purpose NJHI: Upstream Action Acceleration, that common purpose would be a healthier community.
What is the amount of the award and duration of the grant period?
Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded over two years.
Do you provide grants to individuals?
No.
Do you give grants to for-profit organizations?
For-profit organizations are not eligible for funding through NJHI.
Will a financial match be required?
No.
Does the grant funding have to be spent equally over the life of the grant?
No. Each applicant may vary the expense totals in each year. However, be sure to read the budget instructions in the online system specific to allocation of funds.
Proposal Elements
Would letters of support from coalition partners be helpful in the brief proposal phase?
No, letters of support will not be considered at the brief proposal stage.
Is there a copy of the budget template in Microsoft Excel format that we can use, or must we create one?
No. You must create your own budget spreadsheet if you would like to do so and it must be converted into PDF format before uploading to the online grantmaking system.
To whom should letters of commitment be addressed?
All letters of commitment must be scanned into PDF format and uploaded for submission through the online grantmaking system. Hard copy letters sent to NJHI will not be accepted. For this reason, letters can be addressed to either the applicant organization or to NJHI.
How do I save the full proposal narrative template for this NJHI solicitation from the online system?
You should save this document to a location on your computer with which you are familiar–such as My Documents, Desktop, etc. Be sure to follow all instructions in the online system as well as read the FAQs in the online system.
Will the full proposal require letters of commitment?
Yes. Letters of commitment will be required by those applicants invited to submit a full proposal.
Is there a page limit and standard format for my full proposal narrative?
Yes. Complete instructions for formatting your proposal are provided in the RWJF online grantmaking system.
Other Support for Project
Are there any other Robert Wood Johnson Foundation programs that may be appropriate for me?
Please visit the RWJF web site at www.rwjf.org. The Foundation has numerous national programs focusing on a diversity of issues focused on building a Culture of Health.
The Budget
Can we budget less than $50,000 in year one and budget the balance of the $100,000 in years two and three?
Yes. You are not required to budget the $100,000 equally over the two years. Your budget should reflect the work you propose.
Should I budget for air travel?
No. All travel will be within New Jersey.
What indirect cost rate does RWJF support?
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation supports an indirect cost rate of up to 12%. If you have questions about the rate, please call the NJHI Program Office at (856) 225-6733.
What categories of the budget are eligible for the indirect cost support?
Indirect costs (IDC) can be taken on all line items in the budget. However, the IDC on the purchased services category may be reduced if the amount budgeted for this category represents 33% or more of the entire project budget in a given year. If you have questions about the IDC, please refer to the RWJF budget preparation guidelines found in the online grantmaking system or call the NJHI Program Office at (856) 225-6733.
Are indirect costs calculated above the $100,000 cap on the total project budget?
No. The $100,000 cap includes any indirect costs associated with the project.
Will a financial match be required?
No.
Does the grant funding have to be spent equally over the life of the grant?
No. Each applicant may vary the expense totals in each year. However, be sure to read the budget instructions in the online system specific to allocation of funds.
What is the standard budget format for the full proposal?
Budgets should be formatted in 12-month periods. Please refer to the RWJF budget preparation guidelines which are available in the online grantmaking system. You can print the guidelines for reference when preparing your budget online. Please contact the NJHI Program Office at (856) 225-6733 if you have any questions regarding the budget preparation.
Is there a copy of the budget template in Microsoft Excel format that we can use, or must we create one?
No. You must create your own budget spreadsheet if you would like to do so and it must be converted into PDF format before uploading to the online grantmaking system.
Timetable & Review Process
Will Active Living By Design (ALBD) have any influence in the grantee selection process?
Active Living by Design is providing technical assistance throughout the application process and will not influence the selection of grantees. All final grant decisions are made by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Does participation in the Phase 2 coaching call with Active Living By Design give applicants an advantage in receiving funding?
No, the Phase 2 coaching calls are required for all applicants, therefore participation in this coaching call does not guarantee funding and in no way influences the proposal review and decision-making process.
When will the grants begin?
The grants will begin December 1, 2018.
How many brief proposal applicants will be selected to submit a full proposal?
We anticipate inviting approximately 30 brief proposal applicants to submit a full proposal.
When will Phase 1 applicants selected to submit a full proposal be notified?
Applicants selected to advance to Phase 2 will be notified in late March. A full timeline is available in the Call for Proposals.
What are the steps in the full proposal process?
Applicants invited to submit a full proposal must participate in a one-hour call with Active Living by Design, and then complete their proposals in the RWJF online grantmaking system and submit them by 3 p.m., ET, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
What is your deadline for receipt of full proposals?
Full proposals from invited applicants must be submitted online by Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 3 p.m. ET.
Will proposals submitted before the deadline be reviewed early?
No. All proposals will be assigned to reviewers after the submission deadline.
What if I miss the deadline?
To be fair to all applicants, there are no exceptions to the deadline.
How can I find out the status of my proposal?
Feel free to contact the NJHI Program Office. A directory of the NJHI team and their direct phone numbers can be found on the “About Us” page of this Web site. You can also call the NJHI Program Office main number at (856) 225-6733.
Will I receive written feedback?
You will receive a letter notifying you about the decision on whether or not your brief proposal advances to the next step in the grantmaking process. However, you will not receive any feedback or individual critique of the proposal.
How long does the review process take?
The full proposals will be reviewed within a month of the proposal deadline. The full timeline is available in the Call for Proposals.
Online Grantmaking System
How do I access the online proposal submission system?
Visit www.rwjf.org and use the “Apply Online” link for a solicitation. If you are not already registered at MyRWJF, you will be required to register at MyRWJF at http://my.rwjf.org before you begin the proposal process.
When can I start the online application process?
The online application site for full proposals will open on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
What are the steps in the full proposal process?
Applicants invited to submit a full proposal must participate in a one-hour call with Active Living by Design, and then complete their proposals in the RWJF online grantmaking system and submit them by 3 p.m., ET, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
What is your deadline for receipt of full proposals?
Full proposals from invited applicants must be submitted online by Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 3 p.m. ET.
How can I be sure my organization is classified as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3)?
You can do an online search of IRS Publication 78 at http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78. Publication 78 is a list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.
Are there any documents that will be submitted in hard copy?
No.
Will proposals submitted before the deadline be reviewed early?
No. All proposals will be assigned to reviewers after the submission deadline.
What if I miss the deadline?
To be fair to all applicants, there are no exceptions to the deadline.
Who will have access to our proposal once it is submitted online?
Only authorized individuals involved in the reviewing and scoring of proposals for this NJHI solicitation will have access to your proposal.
Whom do I contact if I have problems with the online system?
Feel free to contact the NJHI Program Office. A directory of NJHI team members and their direct phone numbers can be found on the “About Us” page. Or call the main number at (856) 225-6733. Answers to technical FAQs about the online proposal process are available at the online site.
Can more than one person work on a proposal? If so, do they need their own login and password or do they share?
Yes, contributors may share the work on a proposal. Once you create your application, you have the option to invite other “contributors” to work on your application. The online system will send an email to your contributors telling them they can access your proposal and will send them a temporary password if they do not have a MyRWJF account, or will tell them they can login using their existing MyRWJF account.
Can I still access a proposal I submitted under a previous NJHI call for proposals?
Yes, you can log in to your home page of the MyRWJF portal at http://my.rwjf.org to view your proposal.
How do I save the full proposal narrative template for this NJHI solicitation from the online system?
You should save this document to a location on your computer with which you are familiar–such as My Documents, Desktop, etc. Be sure to follow all instructions in the online system as well as read the FAQs in the online system.
About NJHI
How often does NJHI issue a call for proposals, and is it a one-time call, or will it be issued annually?
NJHI issues calls for proposals on an annual basis. The focus of our funding priorities may change each year.
How does NJHI announce its funding initiatives?
NJHI funding initiatives are announced through calls for proposals on the NJHI web site, and in the Funding Opportunities section of the RWJF web site at www.rwjf.org. NJHI also announces its funding initiatives, and shares updates regarding available applicant resources on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow NJHI on these platforms, and bookmark the NJHI web site, to stay aware of the latest funding initiatives and other announcements.
Does NJHI release calls for proposals on a specific date or at a specific time of the year?
What if an organization wants to inquire about possible NJHI funding opportunities outside of the annual call for proposals?
We are always interested in hearing about work happening in the state, or ideas that could be implemented to help all New Jerseyans live the healthiest lives possible. Contact us
How can I stay up-to-date and in touch with NJHI?
How can I learn about your next funding initiative?
Do you provide grants to individuals?
No.
Do you give grants to for-profit organizations?
For-profit organizations are not eligible for funding through NJHI.
Are NJHI staff available to answer questions?
Yes, you can always contact us by telephone at (856) 225-6733 or by e-mail at info@njhi.org. You can also find direct telephone numbers and email address in the Team Directory on the “About Us” page.
Application Process
If we are invited to submit a full proposal, will we need to submit audited financial statements and an organizational staff chart?
Yes, you must submit audited financial statements and related documents unless the applicant organizations is a college, university, or government entity.
Is there a recording of the applicant webinar from February 2, 2018?
Yes, you can access the webinar recording by clicking here.
Must coalitions have been in business for a minimum length of time in order to apply?
There is no specific length of time for a coalition to have been in existence. It must be able to provide a track record of collaboration and working to address health challenges in its community.
If the existing coalition is already funded by NJHI and our nonprofit is one of its partners, would we be eligible to apply to strengthen a component of the existing collaboration?
Yes, this would be considered for funding.
Are applicants able to pose specific questions to NJHI regarding their brief proposal prior to submission?
Yes, you can reach us best by email at info@njhi.org
If NJHI is currently funding a coalition in my town, will that affect my application on behalf of a separate coalition serving the same geographic area?
It is our hope that as this work moves forward in communities across the state, coalitions will, at minimum, have conversations with partners so they can best leverage each other’s resources. We encourage you to connect with any currently-funded coalition in your community to discuss your concepts to see if there are opportunities to partner toward stronger, collaborative efforts.
If there is an existing county-wide coalition and a municipality within that county has a local organization, could they both receive funding through this initiative?
There is the possibility that more than one grant could be made in a county. This funding is not intended for stand-alone organizations, however, so that local organization in a municipality might consider connecting with the county-wide coalition to determine if it could strengthen the local opportunity.
If our existing coalition has an established track record, can we add a new partner focused on health to the initiative?
Yes, if that partner is going to focus on one or more specific upstream issues. This funding is not intended for simply expanding the coalition’s membership.
Would a proposed initiative enabling lower-income households to live in affordable housing in walkable, healthy communities with transit access qualify for funding?
This is an area of focus that would be considered for funding in this initiative. Remember that providing strong rationale for the selected health factor areas and upstream strategies will make for a more viable proposal.
Is it best for a coalition applying for funding to develop plans to implement its own upstream actions, or to develop plans to organize its partners to implement such actions?
Proposals that focus solely or primarily on planning processes and activities will not be considered competitive.
If a coalition partner already focuses on an upstream action, is an application in which the coalition works to strengthen and broaden the partners’ activities responsive to this CFP?
The purpose of the Upstream Action Acceleration initiative is to support existing coalitions to build upon and accelerate their efforts to improve community health.
With respect to applicant organizations that are fiscal sponsors of coalitions, if a coalition is funded through a grant to a Section 501(c)(3) public charity or public entity, can that Section 501(c)(3) public charity or public entity apply to the present opportunity?
Any 501(c)(3) or government entity is eligible to apply. It does not have to be the same organization that has already received funding as the fiscal sponsor for a coalition. The applicant organization should be the best suited to lead this specific project.
If our coalition has worked with ALBD in the past, should we mention that in the proposal?
You are welcome to reference ALBD support in outlining your coalition’s track record of “upstream” strategies to address community health priorities. However, applicant coalitions are not required to have a previous or existing partnership with ALBD. Such a partnership or lack thereof, does not provide an advantage or disadvantage during the review process.
How do I apply for funding?
The Call for Proposals for NJHI: Upstream Action Acceleration is now closed. Once all brief proposals have been reviewed, applicants will be notified in late March whether or not they have been selected to submit full proposals. Applicants invited to submit a full proposal must participate in a one-hour call with Active Living by Design, and then complete their proposals in the RWJF online grantmaking system and submit them by 3 p.m., ET, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
Do you accept paper proposals?
No, you must submit your proposal electronically through the online grantmaking system.
My organization is part of a community-focused coalition. Can we apply for funding under NJHI: Upstream Action Acceleration?
Yes. In your proposal narrative you will describe your organization’s involvement in this initiative and why your organization should serve as the applicant representing the coalition.
When can I start the online application process?
The online application site for full proposals will open on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
What are the steps in the full proposal process?
Applicants invited to submit a full proposal must participate in a one-hour call with Active Living by Design, and then complete their proposals in the RWJF online grantmaking system and submit them by 3 p.m., ET, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
What is your deadline for receipt of full proposals?
Full proposals from invited applicants must be submitted online by Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 3 p.m. ET.
How can I be sure my organization is classified as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3)?
You can do an online search of IRS Publication 78 at http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78. Publication 78 is a list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.
Are there any documents that will be submitted in hard copy?
No.
Will proposals submitted before the deadline be reviewed early?
No. All proposals will be assigned to reviewers after the submission deadline.
What if I miss the deadline?
To be fair to all applicants, there are no exceptions to the deadline.
Who will have access to our proposal once it is submitted online?
Only authorized individuals involved in the reviewing and scoring of proposals for this NJHI solicitation will have access to your proposal.
Are NJHI staff available to answer questions?
Yes, you can always contact us by telephone at (856) 225-6733 or by e-mail at info@njhi.org. You can also find direct telephone numbers and email address in the Team Directory on the “About Us” page.
Can the co-director of the project be listed elsewhere on the application (for example, the chief financial officer)?
Yes, they can also be listed as another organizational contact. The project co-director is an optional role.
Can more than one person work on a proposal? If so, do they need their own login and password or do they share?
Yes, contributors may share the work on a proposal. Once you create your application, you have the option to invite other “contributors” to work on your application. The online system will send an email to your contributors telling them they can access your proposal and will send them a temporary password if they do not have a MyRWJF account, or will tell them they can login using their existing MyRWJF account.
To whom should letters of commitment be addressed?
All letters of commitment must be scanned into PDF format and uploaded for submission through the online grantmaking system. Hard copy letters sent to NJHI will not be accepted. For this reason, letters can be addressed to either the applicant organization or to NJHI.
How do I save the full proposal narrative template for this NJHI solicitation from the online system?
You should save this document to a location on your computer with which you are familiar–such as My Documents, Desktop, etc. Be sure to follow all instructions in the online system as well as read the FAQs in the online system.
Will the full proposal require letters of commitment?
Yes. Letters of commitment will be required by those applicants invited to submit a full proposal.
Is there a page limit and standard format for my full proposal narrative?
Yes. Complete instructions for formatting your proposal are provided in the RWJF online grantmaking system.