What people eat is one of the most important determinants of health. But supporting healthy nutrition, especially in families at high risk for poor dietary patterns, will not be achieved without addressing the broader social determinants of health and inequalities that underlie unhealthy eating.

This Call for Proposals (CFP) aims to fund research that advances health equity and sheds light on the drivers of inequities related to nutritional disparities, dietary quality and patterns, and food security. Healthy Eating Research is particularly interested in policy, systems, and environmental change (PSE) strategies that impact families, early care environments, and communities at a population-level.

Grants should aim to provide advocates, decision-makers, and policymakers with the evidence needed to address the key social determinants of health and inequalities that underlie poor dietary patterns and related health consequences. The three types of funding opportunities included in this CFP are:

  • Small-scale grants (up to $200,000 and 18 months)
  • Large-scale grants (up to $320,000 and 24 months)
  • Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) grants (up to $320,000 and 24 months)

Studies must focus on young children ages 0-8 and their families, including pregnant women. While good nutrition is necessary throughout life, two especially important times in the life course are pregnancy and early childhood when growth is most rapid and key nutrients are critical for neurodevelopment and long-term physical and mental health.

All studies must have the potential to impact groups at highest risk for poor health and well-being and nutrition-related health disparities. Studies focusing on low-income children, children of color, and children living in low-resourced high need communities, where access to resources that support healthy dietary patterns is limited will be prioritized. Research demonstrates that inadequate nutrition, poor diet quality, and obesity disproportionately occur in lower-income communities and communities of color. We are especially interested in studies focused on black, Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations, with an emphasis on families living in lower-income communities.

Download the CFP for more information on eligibility and selection criteria and descriptions of the types of studies that could be funded.

HEALTHY EATING RESEARCH ROUND 12 GRANTS

Approximately $2.7 million will be awarded through HER Round 12 grants. The anticipated allocation of funds is as follows:

  • Approximately $1.4 million will be awarded as small-scale grants, resulting in the funding of up to 7 small research grants through this solicitation. Each grant will award up to $200,000 for up to 18 months.
  • Approximately $640,000 will be awarded as large-scale grants, resulting in the funding of up to 2 large-scale grants through this solicitation. Each grant will award up to $320,000 for up to 24 months.
  • Approximately $640,000 will be awarded as Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) grants, resulting in the funding of up to 2 CBPR grants through this solicitation. Each grant will award up to $320,000 for up to 24 months.

How to Apply

All applications for this solicitation must be submitted via the RWJF online system. Visit RWJF’s funding page and use the “Apply Online” link.

There are two phases in the application process:

  • Stage 1: Concept Paper
  • Stage 2: Full Proposal (for invited applicants only)

Applicant Webinar

A webinar for interested applicants will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2019, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET. The purpose of the applicant webinar is to describe the Healthy Eating Research program, explain the scope of the CFP, review the application and review processes, and give a chance to ask questions about this funding opportunity.

You must register to attend the webinar. Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/gi8s4h67scnk&eom

Key Dates and Deadlines

June 25, 2019 (3 p.m. ET): Optional applicant webinar. Registration is required.

July 31, 2019 (3 p.m. ET): Concept papers for small-scale, large-scale, and CBPR grants are due in the online system. Concept papers submitted after 3 p.m. ET on July 31 will not be reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Download answers to Frequently Asked Questions for this CFP. If you have additional questions about this funding opportunity, please contact the HER national program office at healthyeating@duke.edu or 1-800-578-8636.