The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is inviting applications for its 2025 Systems for Action: Community-Led Systems Research to Address Systemic Racism initiative. This funding opportunity supports community-based pilot studies that develop actionable evidence to align medical care, public health, and social service systems in addressing the health impacts of systemic racism. RWJF aims to foster interventions that create meaningful, equitable changes and can be scaled and replicated across the United States to achieve national impact.
Eligible applicants include community-based organizations (CBOs) actively serving communities disproportionately affected by systemic racism. Eligible entities are 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, local and state government agencies, and tribal organizations based in the United States or its territories. While research institutions cannot apply as lead organizations, they may serve as fiscal sponsors to support financial and grant management. Preference will be given to public entities and nonprofit organizations that align with RWJF’s focus on addressing systemic inequities.
Each funded project can receive up to $200,000 for a 12-month period, with funding beginning on October 1, 2025. A total of five awards will be distributed. Proposed projects should emphasize systems alignment interventions that dismantle systemic racism and foster collaboration among medical, public health, and social service sectors. RWJF prioritizes innovative, scalable solutions that deliver actionable results and positively impact health equity in affected communities.
The application process includes several key dates. An applicant webinar will take place on January 22, 2025, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET, followed by weekly office hours from January 27 through June 3 to provide applicants with guidance. A second webinar is scheduled for February 24, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET. Applications must be submitted by June 4, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET, with no exceptions for late submissions. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by August 22, 2025.
Proposals must focus on interventions that align multiple systems to address systemic racism, particularly in ways that enhance equitable health outcomes. Projects should demonstrate their potential to foster collaboration across sectors, generate measurable impact, and be adapted to other communities. RWJF encourages applicants to highlight how their work contributes to dismantling the structural barriers that perpetuate health inequities.
To support the application process, RWJF provides resources such as a sample proposal, detailed FAQs, and guidance documents available on its website. Applicants are encouraged to participate in webinars and office hours to strengthen their submissions. For additional inquiries, contact Glen Mays, PhD, and Carrington Lott, MPH, at systemsforaction@cuanschutz.edu.
This grant is an excellent opportunity for CBOs committed to driving systemic change and addressing the root causes of health inequities through innovative, evidence-based solutions. By prioritizing collaboration and scalability, RWJF seeks to empower organizations to create a future where health equity is a reality for all.
