What is the Round 6 funding opportunity?

The Round 6 grants are offered through the Healthy Eating Research 2011 call for proposals (CFP). Round 6 grants represent the majority of RWJF’s investment in research through this program. Studies funded through such grants support strategic, rigorous, policy-relevant research on a wide range of policy and environmental changes, such as:

• food pricing and other economic approaches;
• child-care or preschool policies or environments;
• school and after-school policies or environments;
• food and agricultural policies;
• food and beverage reformulation;
• food and beverage advertising and marketing;
• front-of-package labeling, menu labeling, and point-of-purchase prompts;
• improved access to healthy foods or reduced access to unhealthy foods in lower-income communities;
• improved access and marketing (price, product, placement and promotion) of healthy foods and beverages in retail food stores, especially in “food deserts;” and
• assessments to “work backwards” to identify the policy and environmental determinants of observed, objectively measured reductions or reversals in childhood obesity prevalence.

Target populations include children and adolescents ages 3 to 18 and their families, especially in lower-income and racial and ethnic populations at highest risk for obesity.

What is the maximum award available through the Round 6 grants funding opportunity? How many grants will be awarded?

Round 6 grants are up to $170,000 each for a 12- to 24-month funding period. Approximately $1.25 million will be awarded in Round 6.

How do I apply for a grant?

Proposals for Round 6 grants must be submitted electronically. Visit www.rwjf.org/cfp/her and click on the “Apply” link for this solicitation. If you have not already done so, you will be required to register at MyRWJF before you begin the application process.

This funding opportunity requires a one-stage, full proposal application process.

The full proposal will include a proposal narrative of no more than 15 pages using 12-point Arial font and 1.5 line spacing, biosketches for key personnel, a budget worksheet and a detailed budget narrative. Limited appendices (e.g., proposed survey instruments) and letters of support from collaborating entities also may be submitted as part of the full proposal stage. The RWJF online system contains specific instructions regarding application materials.

When is the full proposal deadline?

Deadline for receipt of full proposals was March 10, 2011 at 3 p.m. ET. Please refer to the call for proposals (CFP) for a Timetable of key dates and deadlines.

What are some examples of studies that would be funded under this funding opportunity?

For types of studies and sample topics that would be funded by the Healthy Eating Research program, please see Sample Topics.

Can I apply for funding under this program to supplement an existing grant?

Yes, studies may be conducted as supplements to existing studies. Co-funding is welcome, with sources and amounts fully described in the application.

Do I need to submit a budget with my proposal?

Yes. Applicants will need to complete a detailed budget worksheet and budget narrative documents. For additional budget information, please refer to the "Budget and Co-Funding" section of the FAQs.

How can I check on the status of my proposal?

Upon successful submission of your proposal, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from the RWJF online system. Please ensure that you have received confirmation. We expect to receive many proposals. If you have a question about a specific proposal, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 800-578-8636. Please be sure to include the name of the applicant institution, the principal investigator and contact information in your communication.

How will proposals be reviewed?

All proposals will be assessed by a committee or committees composed of RWJF staff, Healthy Eating Research national program office staff at the University of Minnesota, senior program advisory panel members and/or other expert reviewers. All funding decisions are made by RWJF. Complete selection criteria for proposals can be found in the CFP.

When will grants be awarded? When will I be notified if I have been awarded a grant or not?

Full proposals are due March 10, 2011 (3 p.m. ET). Applicants will be contacted via email in mid-June 2011 to be notified whether or not they have been selected as finalists. A detailed budget review will begin for finalists at this time and additional documentation must be completed (e.g., a Letter of Agreement with RWJF). Grants funded under the Round 6 must begin on September 1, 2011.

How can I get more information about Round 6 grants?

You may contact Kathy Kosiak, research coordinator in the Healthy Eating Research national program office, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 800-578-8636.