Learning From Abroad to Reimagine Health Knowledge Systems for Equity and Wellbeing

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), a prominent philanthropic organization dedicated to health equity, is accepting proposals under the initiative titled "Learning From Abroad to Reimagine Health Knowledge Systems for Equity and Wellbeing." RWJF operates with a vision to dismantle structural racism and remove barriers to health equity by aligning with community-based practitioners, researchers, and institutions. This particular funding opportunity is part of RWJF’s Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions initiative, which draws on global practices and models to identify and adapt solutions to health inequities within the United States. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to encourage action-oriented projects that learn from international examples and implement equitable, community-centered approaches to health knowledge systems in the U.S. The program recognizes the need to reimagine these systems in light of systemic threats such as misinformation and weakened public trust. Applicants are expected to propose solutions that integrate inclusive methods of evidence generation, restore public trust in science, and blend biomedical knowledge with Indigenous, traditional, and community frameworks. The effort emphasizes cultural preservation, community voice, and the use of cross-sector strategies that integrate learnings from social movements, art, and global health innovations. Funding will be awarded to organizations proposing projects that center the lived experiences of populations most affected by health inequities. These projects should contribute to building more durable, equitable systems of knowledge that support collective wellbeing. RWJF is particularly interested in funding organizations that are new to the Foundation and encourages applications from historically marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, people of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ groups. However, eligibility is limited to organizations that have not received RWJF funds (including via fiscal sponsorship) since January 1, 2021. Applications are open to U.S.-based organizations, as well as international applicants whose projects are focused on U.S. health equity. If selected, international applicants will be funded through the RWJF Global Ideas Fund, managed by Charities Aid Foundation America (CAF America). The use of funds includes direct and indirect project costs but excludes lobbying, political activity, clinical trials of unapproved treatments, and construction or renovation of facilities. The application process includes a two-phase submission. Interested organizations must submit a brief proposal by April 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit full proposals by July 9, 2026. Applicants will be informed of funding decisions by September 21, 2026, and funded projects will begin on November 15, 2026. An optional informational webinar will be held on March 6, 2026. Awards will be made to up to 15 organizations, with a maximum amount of $500,000 per award and a grant duration of up to 36 months. Applicants may use a fiscal sponsor for financial and grant reporting support if necessary. All submissions must be made online. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact RWJF at [email protected]. Full details and guidance, including budget categories and submission criteria, are available via the application platform and FAQ documents linked from the main CFP page.