HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Good health begins where we live, learn, work and play. Stable housing, quality schools, access to good jobs, and neighborhood safety are all important influences, as is culturally competent healthcare. RWJF supports communities with the data, knowledge, and tools to expand their commitment to addressing the social determinants of health so that everyone can live the healthiest life possible.

RWJF supports programs that are continuing to expand our understanding of the social determinants which shape our health. We are helping communities with the data, knowledge, and tools they need to enable everyone to live the healthiest life possible.

Related News and Insights

Read expert perspectives and the latest research from RWJF to explore the opportunities and complexities of this topic.

Blog Post
People and megaphone illustration depicting community involvement.

Researchers Build Community Power to Influence Health in Gentrifying Neighborhoods

“Ownership of change”—which refers to the decisionmaking power community members have over changes in their neighborhood—is linked to better health and happiness.

5-min read

Housing
Grantee Story

RWJF Commission to Build a Healthier America

The Commission was an independent, non-partisan group of leaders established to examine the many factors outside of medical care that influence health.

1-min read

Social Determinants of Health
News Release
Mother and daughter at an shop at an outdoor market.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Selects 2023 RWJF Culture of Health Prize Finalists

The Foundation celebrates communities at the forefront of advancing a fair and just opportunity for health.

1-min read

Health Disparities
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Featured Initiatives

RWJF funds many initiatives in support of our vision for a Culture of Health. For this focus area, these initiatives were selected to demonstrate grantmaking that is helping us achieve the greatest impact.

A physical education teachers shows children how to drum using exercise balls in buckets.

Culture of Health Leaders

Culture of Health Leaders supports innovators and change-makers across all sectors to address health equity and move communities and organizations toward a Culture of Health.

Grantee Story
Group of multi-ethnic women walking down the stairs of gym. Three females in sportswear leaving the gym.

RWJF Culture of Health Prize

The RWJF Culture of Health Prize honors and elevates U.S. communities working at the forefront of advancing health and equity for all.

9-min read

Young girl playing on playground equipment.

County Health Rankings and Roadmaps

This national program highlights the many social and economic factors that influence health and shows how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play. The program also offers tools to understand the data and strategies that communities can use to move from education to action.

Current Grant Opportunities

We realize that building a Culture of Health will take unprecedented collaboration and a deeper understanding of where barriers exist and how to overcome them.

We have previously funded opportunities in this area of focus with the goal to strengthen and advance health equity, and we have more work to do.

Evidence for Action: Innovative Research to Advance Racial Equity

12/14/22 - Received request from PO to revert CFP to not include two new associate directors. Standard practice is to include Director and Deputy Director names on CFP. 12/14/22 - Received request from NPO to update CFP to include two new associate directors. 3/15/22 - Meeting with Claire, Adam, Roshani - This program is for researchers to submit ideas about research over time. REL prioritizes good ideas to try to turn them into grantees. Each applicant doesn't go through every phase. Relaunch with revised CFP and applicant and reviewer phases.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open

Apply Now

Pioneering Ideas: Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open

Apply Now