Round 5 Grants

What is the Round 5 funding opportunity and how does it differ from the other funding opportunities available through Healthy Eating Research?

The Round 5 grants represent the majority of RWJF’s investment in research through this program. Studies funded through such grants support policy-relevant research on a wide range of topics, such as:

  • innovative food pricing and economic incentives to encourage healthy food choices;
  • varied forms of food and beverage advertising and marketing targeting youth, including youth in high-risk lower-income and racial and ethnic populations;
  • impact of changes in access and proximity to full-service grocery stores and fast-food outlets on youth diets;
  • strategies for improving healthy food choices within varied retail settings (e.g., grocery stores, corner stores, mobile vending);
  • changes in front-of-package labeling and point-of-purchase prompts within varied food outlets;
  • changes in food and beverage formulation to reduce excess (non-nutritive) calories;
  • effects of national, state and local school and child-care food policies;
  • promising food-related policy and environmental changes in settings where children and their families make food choices including community, school, after-school and child-care settings; and
  • agricultural policies, including those related to commodity foods, agricultural subsidies and food assistance programs.

The Healthy Eating Research Round 5 and 2010 New Connections grants are parallel in terms of study topics, proposal and review timeline, and award date. The key difference between Round 5 and 2010 New Connections grants is eligibility. New Connections grants are for new investigators from groups that have been historically disadvantaged or underrepresented in research disciplines supported by RWJF and who have completed their doctorate or terminal degree within seven years prior to the award date for the grant (after November 15, 2003).

The Healthy Eating Research Round 5 and 2010 Rapid-Response grants are similar in terms of study topics. These funding opportunities differ in eligibility and application and review process. For Rapid-Response, the timing of the program, event or policy change to be studied must justify the rapid-review process in order to answer the proposed question. Proposals for rapid-response grants require an initial submission of a one-page concept paper.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the 2010 New Connections grants and the 2010 Rapid-Response grants, you should apply to the Healthy Eating Research Round 5 grants funding opportunity.

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.

What is the maximum award available through the Round 5 grants funding opportunity? How many grants will be awarded?

Round 5 grants are up to $170,000 each for a 12- to 24-month funding period. Approximately $1.35 million will be awarded in Round 5.

How does the grant proposal process work?

Proposals must be made through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system. This solicitation has 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. All materials must be submitted electronically through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system. The Grantmaking Online application site contains specific instructions regarding application materials.

Can I fax or e-mail a proposal?

No faxes, emails or mailed proposals will be accepted. The proposal narrative and additional required documents must be submitted online through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system.

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.

When is the full proposal deadline?

Deadline for receipt of full proposals was May 13, 2010 at 3 p.m. ET.

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 Grantmaking Online proposal application site. Please ensure that you have received confirmation. We expect to receive many proposals, all of which must go through the same review process. 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 composed of RWJF staff, Healthy Eating Research national program office staff at the University of Minnesota, a senior program advisory panel and other expert reviewers. All funding decisions are made by RWJF.

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

Full proposals were due May 13, 2010 (3 p.m. ET). Applicants will be notified in late August 2010 if they have been selected as finalists, at which time final proposal documents must be submitted and a detailed budget review will begin. Grants funded under the Round 5 must begin on November 15, 2010.

How can I get more information about Round 5 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.

 

Mailing List Sign Up

You are invited to sign up for future Healthy Eating Research program announcements.

Search Web Site

Search all content on the Web site. Enter keyword(s) in the text box below.