[Robert Wood Johnson Foundation](https://www.rwjf.org)

October 2026 (final application deadline, projected)

No set award amount; request funding needed for your project. Typical duration: 24–36 months.

Funds bold projects advancing health equity by seeding new, unconventional ideas to transform systems and dismantle structural racism.

Forecasted—dates and details may shift; check program page for updates.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports projects that radically advance health equity by exploring and experimenting with new, unconventional ideas to transform systems that perpetuate inequity. The program encourages visionary thinkers from diverse backgrounds—science, technology, community leadership, the arts, and more—to anticipate how emerging social, cultural, scientific, technological, environmental, and economic trends could shape the future of health for all. Emphasis is placed on dismantling structural racism, reimagining the Health Science Knowledge System, and ensuring that knowledge and evidence guiding health decisions are rooted in equity and justice. Projects should challenge conventional wisdom, surface new possibilities, and experiment with approaches that could meaningfully improve health outcomes and community wellbeing for generations to come. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (final application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - There is **no set award amount**; applicants should request the total funding needed to complete their proposed project, including direct and indirect costs. - Award periods are **flexible**, typically ranging from **24 to 36 months**. - No set number of awards; multiple projects may be supported each cycle. --- ## Eligibility - Preference given to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are **not** private foundations or Type III supporting organizations. - Applicant organizations **must be based in the United States or its territories**. - Teams may include both U.S. and international members, but the lead organization must meet the above criteria. - Proposals are evaluated on novelty, potential impact, and alignment with advancing health equity. --- ## Application Process - Application opens annually (projected to open in early 2026 for the next cycle). - Proposals are typically accepted on a rolling basis until the final deadline. - Review of proposals may take from one to six months depending on volume. - Required materials include a project narrative, budget, and documentation of organizational eligibility. - See the [sample proposal](https://my.rwjf.org/viewApplication.do?cfp=3451) and [full funding opportunity PDF](https://my.rwjf.org/viewCfp.do?cfp=1729) for detailed guidance. - More information about the application process is available on [RWJF’s grant process page](https://www.rwjf.org/en/grants/grant-process.html). --- ## Additional Information - Projects should address at least one of RWJF’s prioritized systems, with particular interest in reimagining the Health Science Knowledge System. - RWJF seeks ideas that are ahead of the curve and that challenge conventional wisdom. - Past funded ideas and further inspiration can be found on the [Ideas for an Equitable Future page](https://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/how-we-work/learning-and-evaluation/ideas-for-an-equitable-future.html). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Details](https://www.rwjf.org/en/grants/active-funding-opportunities/2025/exploring-equitable-futures.html) - [RWJF Grants – Active Funding Opportunities](https://www.rwjf.org/en/grants/active-funding-opportunities.html) - [FAQs for Applicants](https://www.rwjf.org/content/granteeresources/FAQs/FAQsforApplicants.html) - [RWJF Grant Process Overview](https://www.rwjf.org/en/grants/grant-process.html) - [RWJF Generational Goals & Systems Change](https://www.rwjf.org/en/our-vision.html) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------|------------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------| | Award Contact | – | [ideasforthefuture@rwjf.org](mailto:ideasforthefuture@rwjf.org) | – | | Media Contact | Melissa Blair | [media@rwjf.org](mailto:media@rwjf.org) | (609) 627-5937 | | General Inquiries| – | [info@rwjf.org](mailto:info@rwjf.org) | +1 877-843-7953 | | Contact Form | – | [RWJF Contact Page](https://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/contact-us.html) | – |

Exploring Equitable Futures - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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