Eligibility
 
We have two distinct grant proposal ideas. Can we submit both? Is there any chance we could be funded for both?
 
Yes and yes. Your organization could apply for more than one grant through the funding opportunities described in this call for proposals (CFP). The proposals will be reviewed independently, within each funding opportunity. However, once the reviews are completed, criteria we will be looking at in making our decisions include the uniqueness of the project in relation to the mix of potentially funded projects and geographic dispersion of grantees.
 
If we have one RWJF grant, can we apply for another RWJF grant?
 
Individuals who have existing RWJF funding are eligible to apply for a Round 5 or Rapid-Response grant.
 
New Connections grants are for individuals who have never received funding from RWJF. If you have ever been a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on an RWJF grant, you are ineligible for a New Connections grant through Healthy Eating Research.
 
Is it possible for an organization to be part of more than one grant?
 
Yes, an organization may apply for multiple grants under this program. Geographic dispersion of grantees and the mix of study topic will be considered in the final selection process, but are not primary considerations.
 
Can an investigator participate in more than one proposal, or submit multiple proposals?
 
Yes, an investigator may participate in more than one proposal. For example, an investigator might serve as the principal investigator on one proposal and a co-investigator on another proposal. In making final selections, however, the Foundation will consider the geographic and organizational representation of grantees.
 
Is there a limit on the number of proposals submitted by a single state and/or a single institution within a state?
 
No, there are no such limits. Geographic dispersion of grantees will be one consideration in the selection process, but not a primary one. It is possible that we will have multiple grantees in the same state.
 
Can two organizations submit a joint proposal?
 
Yes, two organizations may submit a joint proposal. However, one organization must serve as the recipient of the grant from RWJF. The organization receiving the grant may choose to establish a subcontract or consulting arrangement with other organizations. You will need to identify only one principal investigator (PI) and you also may choose to name one co-principal investigator (Co-PI). There is no limit to the number of co-investigators. If the proposal is funded, the person listed as PI will have ultimate responsibility for the grant.
 
Will you award grants to multiple institutions for the same project?
 
No. One organization must serve as the recipient of the grant from RWJF. However, subcontracts to multiple institutions are allowed for the same project through one grant award. The grant awardee would need to manage the subcontracts. All proposed subcontracts must be submitted to the Healthy Eating Research national program office (NPO) for review and approval by RWJF and the NPO during the final approval process.
 
Are partnerships encouraged and can a partner fund the intervention?
 
Partnerships are not specifically encouraged, but they are welcome. For example, a partner could fund an intervention. The partnership will be reviewed for how it may affect the objectivity, or perceived objectivity, of the proposed research. Sources of any proposed co-funding will need to be clearly identified in the proposal.
 
What types of organizations are eligible to receive a grant under this program?
 
Preference will be given to those applicants that are either public entities or nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicant organizations must be based in the United States or its territories at the time of application. The focus of this program is the United States; studies in other countries will be considered only to the extent that they may directly inform U.S. policy.
 
My organization is not classified as a 501(c)(3) type organization but I understand that I may still apply. Will I be able to get an applicant ID number in the RWJF Grantmaking Online system?
 
We are interested in getting the best possible proposals, regardless of the type of organization applying. While preference is given to tax exempt organizations classified as 501(c)(3) type organizations by the I.R.S., other types of organizations may apply. Organizations that are not classified as 501(c)(3) type organizations may be required to submit additional documentation, or complete additional reporting requirements if a grant is awarded.
 
Are there restrictions or preferences regarding nonprofit collaborations with for-profit firms?
 
There are no specific restrictions or preferences. We will review all collaborations for possible real or perceived conflicts of interest and for issues that might affect the perceived credibility of the research results.
 
Can governmental entities such as USDA, NIH, the Indian Health Service, and local public health departments apply to this program?
 
Yes, governmental entities may apply. In some cases, additional documentation/ paperwork may be required if your organization is chosen as a finalist. The Healthy Eating Research national program office would advise you about these requirements prior to grant award.
 
Can individual schools or school districts apply for funding?
 
Yes, funding can be awarded to schools or school districts for research that meets the criteria set forth in the call for proposals (CFP) and RWJF Grantmaking Online application template. In many circumstances, a school or school district will need to identify an outside researcher or research team to bring required research expertise and experience to the project. This is often done through a subcontract with an individual researcher or his/her home institution.
 
Will the Foundation fund private individuals?
 
No. We do not award grants to private individuals.
 
Can an applicant be from outside the United States?
 
No. We do not award grants to applicants from outside the U.S. or U.S. Territories.
 
Will you consider funding pilot intervention studies?
 
Yes. We would fund pilot studies focused on promising policy and environmental interventions or small-scale simulations.  
 
Will you fund community demonstration projects?
 
No, Healthy Eating Research awards grants for research studies. This program does not fund demonstration projects.
 
Will you fund measurement development studies?
 
Yes, we will fund measurement development studies.
 
Will you fund dissertation studies?
 
No, Healthy Eating Research does not fund dissertation studies at this time, but may do so in the future. You are invited to sign up to receive future Healthy Eating Research program information, including funding alerts.
 
Is it required that the PI have a Ph.D., J.D, M.D., etc., or would a Master's degree be acceptable?
 
The experience and qualifications of the research team is one of the primary criteria for proposal review. A doctorate or other terminal degree (e.g., J.D., M.D.) is preferred for the principal investigator.
 
Can research associates/post doctoral researchers be principal investigators (PIs)?
 
Yes, research associates and post doctoral researchers can be principal investigators on Healthy Eating Research grants. However, you should check your institution's policy regarding this, as some universities, for example, only allow faculty members to be principal investigators on grants.
 
What sort of research expertise are you looking for?
 
In general, research expertise should include a working knowledge of formulating research hypotheses, crafting an appropriate study design and methodology, analyzing and reporting on the findings, and then translating these findings with the potential that they can be widely adopted. It is also important for the research team to have a track record in policy-related research. We also encourage a multi-disciplinary team of investigators, since this would be an asset to a proposal.
 

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