FAQs by Category

General
Deadline Related
Eligibility
Proposal process
Selection Process
Proposal content and process questions
Budget
Notification
Grant Implementation

General

1. What is Communities Creating Healthy Environments?

   Communities Creating Healthy Environments (CCHE) is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that aims to prevent childhood obesity by increasing access to healthy foods and safe places to play in communities of color. The program will advance RWJF’s efforts to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015 by supporting diverse, community-based organizations and federally chartered tribal nations in the development and implementation of effective, culturally competent environmental policy initiatives to address childhood obesity at the local level.

2. What will be funded under this call for proposals (CFP)?

   RWJF will award grants for policy advocacy to improve food and recreation environments in up to ten communities at high risk for obesity. Examples of food and recreation environmental policy advocacy include action to increase public resources for recreation in underserved communities, land-use and zoning policies that increase healthy food access in communities of color.

3. How many grants will be awarded, what is the maximum award amount, and what is the grant period?

   Up to 20 grants will be awarded over two rounds of funding (10 grants per cycle). The grants will be for up to $250,000 over a three-year period. Under this first round of funding, up to 10 grants will be awarded to support local policy advocacy initiatives. Awards in the first round began on October 1, 2009, and will end on September 30, 2012.

4. Is matching support required?

   Yes. All grantees are expected to secure a match of at least a 10 percent of their proposed budget, consisting of unrestricted cash support, for each year of funding support from RWJF. In addition, applicants are required to raise a minimum of 10 percent in in-kind resources to ensure the sustainability of the project. More details about the match requirement are provided in the Budget and Matching Funds section.

5. What is the deadline for submitting a brief proposal? What happens after that?

   The deadline for submitting brief proposals is February 25, 2010, at 3:00p.m. ET. All proposals must be submitted electronically via the RWJF Grantmaking Online system at grantmaking.rwjf.org/cche2. Brief proposals will be reviewed and scored according to the criteria listed in the CFP. Approximately 40 applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.

6. What do I need to know about the full proposal stage before I submit a brief proposal?

   Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals on April 7, 2010. At that time, reviewers will seek additional information regarding the applicant organization, its history of community organizing, the problems related to childhood obesity on which the applicant intends to work, available community resources, and additional information about the proposed initiative and budget, including the status of matching funds and in-kind support.
   May 13, 2010 (3:00 p.m. ET) is the deadline for invited full proposals, which must be submitted through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system.

7. What happens if my full proposal is selected?

   Up to 15 applicants will be selected for a site visit by CCHE staff, National Advisory Committee (NAC) members and/or Foundation staff. The review team will conduct site visits between July 6-14, 2010 as agreed upon with each applicant. Matching funds for the first year must be clearly identified by the time of the site visit. Candidates for site visits will be informed of preparation and process requirements when notified of their selection. (See CFP for more details)
   The program's NAC will recommend finalists to RWJF for funding. All funding decisions will be made by RWJF. Finalists will be notified of award decisions by July 30, 2010. Awards for funded proposals will begin October 1, 2010.

8. Will RWJF provide feedback on my proposal?

   No. RWJF is unable to provide feedback on individual proposals.

9. How is the program administered?

   The program is directed by CCHE’s Communities Creating Healthy Environment’s National Program Office, which is housed at the Praxis Project in Washington, DC.
   CCHE oversees the proposal review process and provides ongoing programmatic direction and assistance to RWJF grantees funded through the CCHE program.

10. Should I participate in the applicant regional information sessions?

    We will offer regional information sessions to offer potential applicants more information about this opportunity and to address any questions. Participation in these sessions is not required. Visit the program website for dates, locations and registration information.

11. How do I register for the applicant Web conference call?

    An optional Web conference for potential applicants is scheduled for February 5, 2010. To register, please visit the website at and sign up for the Web conference where indicated. Dial-in information and the agenda will be sent to registered participants by February 4, 2009. All participants are strongly encouraged to carefully read the CFP and frequently asked questions (FAQs) prior to the call.

12. What if I have urgent questions about this opportunity that are not addressed in the CFP or the FAQs?

    Additional questions may be submitted by e-mail or telephone. Questions submitted by e-mail should reference "CCHE CFP" in the subject line.
    Technical questions related to the RWJF Grantmaking Online system should be submitted to cche@thepraxisproject.org with "GO technical question" in the subject line. For urgent questions related to the RWJF Grantmaking Online system, you may call (202) 234-5921.
    Programmatic questions about proposals or the proposal process should be submitted to cche@thepraxisproject.org with "CCHE Program question" in the subject line. For urgent questions about the program, you may call (202) 234-5921 to speak with Ditra Edwards.

13. If I request help with the proposal process or submit questions, how long will it take for program staff to respond?

    We will make every effort to respond to questions and requests for assistance within one business day of receiving them. The FAQs will be updated on a regular basis during the proposal development process.
    Due to the large number of proposals we expect to receive, applicants are urged not to wait until the last week before the deadline to seek assistance, as it is highly unlikely that we will be able to respond to all such requests in a timely and effective manner. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register online and familiarize themselves with the RWJF Grantmaking Online system early in the process, review the FAQs in detail, and contact the CCHE program office early with any questions or concerns.

14. Will Communities Creating Healthy Environments release additional CFPs in the future?

    At this time the 2010 is the last grant cycle. Organizations interested in receiving future e-mail alerts about new funding opportunity should register on our website.

15. How can I find out more about RWJF and its childhood obesity initiatives?

    Please visit the Foundation's website, , for more information about additional funding opportunities, interest areas, lessons learned from past grants and other information related to the mission and work of RWJF.

Deadline Related

1. What is the application deadline and late submission policy?

   The deadline for the application is is 3pm ET on Thursday, February 25, 2010. To be accepted for review, your proposal must be completed and submitted by the deadline. To be fair to all applicants, RWJF enforces a strict deadline policy, therefore no late submissions will be accepted.

2. How will I know that my proposal has been successfully submitted?

   There are three ways to confirm your proposal was successfully submitted:

   • You will see a screen confirming your submission.
   • If you registered with a valid email address, you will receive an email message confirming your submission.
   • Log in to the Grantmaking Online system with your applicant ID and password. Go to your home page. If you have successfully submitted your proposal, a message will appear in red at the top of the home page stating that your proposal has been submitted.
     NOTE: Once you have completed all requirements, you must return to the home page of the Grantmaking Online system to click on the blue CONTINUE button to gain access to the SUBMIT button.

   • How can I check on the status of my proposal once it is submitted?

     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 cche@thepraxisproject.org. Please be sure to include the name of the applicant institution, the principal investigator and contact information in your communication.

Eligibility

1. Can two or more organizations submit a joint proposal?

   CCHE is designed to support local, community-based organizing and policy advocacy groups with a successful track record of at least two years in community organizing and policy advocacy in communities of color. As a result, new collaborations coming together with the sole purpose of applying for these funds will not have the track record of work together to meet this requirement. However, coalitions with a centralized structure and track record of work that meets the organizing and policy advocacy requirements are eligible. Grants will only be awarded to one entity and that institution will be solely responsible for meeting the requirements of the grant. These measures are designed to increase accountability and oversight mechanisms for the grant but are not meant to discourage coalition building, subcontractor relationships or other traditional mechanisms of building community support and partnerships for proposed policy initiatives.

2. How does CCHE define "a successful track record of at least two years in community organizing and policy advocacy"?

   Applicants should be able to describe community organizing efforts that have engaged local residents to make changes to local, regional and/or state policies that have helped address health-related problems in communities of color. Health-related problems are broadly defined to include efforts to decrease exposure to environmental threats, address overconcentration of alcohol outlets or exposure to targeted marketing of unhealthy products, etc. Funds provided through the CCHE program are not designed to support start-up organizations or collaborations put together for the sole purpose of applying for funding.

3. What if my organization does not have the minimum organizing and policy advocacy experience required for CCHE but we would like to work on childhood obesity issues?

   There are other funding initiatives at the Foundation by other grantmakers that support community-based efforts to address childhood obesity. Please visit our website at for a listing of the current funding opportunities for which we have information.

4. Is an organization that is not classified as a 501(c)(3) allowed to apply and acquire an applicant ID number from the RWJF Grantmaking Online system?

   No. The organization applying must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a tribal group recognized by the U.S. federal government, and must be based in the United States or its territories.

5. Are organizations based in U.S. territories eligible for funding?

   Yes, applicant organizations based in U.S. territories are eligible for funding, provided the organization meets eligibility criteria.

6. Please define "leadership" of applicant organization. Does this mean executive director?

   The leadership consists of an organization’s board and staff—anyone who guides and contributes to the direction of the organization.
   How rigid is the requirement for the organization to reflect the community? Will an organization be eliminated based on this criterion or can you demonstrate particular challenges and need for progress in this area?
   It is important that each organization’s staff and board leadership represent the community they serve.

7. If an organization is currently receiving food industry funding which will end before the CCHE grant cycle begins, will they be considered eligible?

   Yes. Any funding that will end prior to the beginning of the CCHE grant will not be seen as a conflict. However, any industry funding received (past or present) must be declared in the application where indicated. Please contact us if you have any questions about a specific funding source.

8. Can groups who are currently receiving funding from Robert Wood Johnson apply?

   Yes. Groups already receiving RWJ funding through another initiative are welcome to apply for this grant.

Proposal process

1. How does the proposal process work?

   There are three stages in the competitive application process: (1) all applicants submit a brief proposal that describes the project; (2) invited applicants are then asked to submit a full proposal and line-item budget for a grant; and (3) 15 prospective finalists are selected to participate in site visits to inform the final selection process.
   The brief proposal consists of a narrative no more than four pages in length, plus a preliminary budget of no more than one page in length. Applicants invited to submit full proposals will be provided requirements by April 7, 2010.
   All proposals must be submitted through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system, which contains specific instructions regarding application materials and the process for submitting a proposal. It is available at grantmaking.rwjf.org/cche2.

2. How can I check the status of my proposal?

   Upon the successful submission of your proposal, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from the RWJF Grantmaking Online site. Please ensure that you have confirmation of your proposal submission. Other oral or written confirmations will not be provided by RWJF or the CCHE staff.

3. May I fax or e-mail a proposal?

   No. The proposal narrative and additional required documents for both brief and full proposals must be submitted through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system. If an organization does not have ready access to the internet, CCHE staff can work with you to get it submitted online provided arrangements are made at least three business days in advance of the submission deadline. Information submitted by fax, e-mail or mail will not be reviewed or returned to the sender.

4. May I submit other attachments to the proposal in addition to what is requested in the CFP?

   No. Supplemental information (e.g., maps, brochures, annual reports) should not be submitted and will not be reviewed or returned. Please submit only those documents that are required, as outlined in the CFP and the RWJF Grantmaking Online system.

5. What kind of letters of support are you expecting to see from the organization(s) involved in the proposed initiative?

   We require at least three (but no more than five) one-page letters of support and commitment from other community partners that will collaborate and/or provide matching funds.

6. Is the proposal supposed to be four pages single spaced or double-spaced?

   Your narrative should be typed in 12 point Arial font and black type. The entire narrative should have single-line spacing, one-inch margins on the top, bottom and sides, and no longer than four pages in length.

Selection Process

1. What happens after the proposal is submitted?

   Brief proposals will be reviewed by the Communities Creating Healthy Environments for eligibility and completeness. CCHE and its technical assistance team will recommend which applicants are invited to submit full proposals.

2. What are the requirements for the full proposal stage?

   Applicants who are selected for the second stage of reviews will be contacted by April 7, 2010 and invited to submit a full proposal, including a detailed line item budget and budget narrative. At that time, they will be asked to complete additional documents (see CFP for more details)

3. Will more details about the full proposal process be available to selected applicants?

   Full proposal workshops (by telephone or Web conference) will be held to provide guidance to applicants during the full proposal development process. Participants will be notified of the schedule for these workshops when they receive their invitation to submit a full proposal.

4. What is the deadline for submitting full proposals?

   May 13, 2010, (3:00 p.m. ET) is the deadline for submitting full proposals through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system.

5. What happens if my full proposal is selected?

   Applicants selected to proceed to the final stage of reviews will be informed by mid July 2010. The proposal review team will conduct site visits July 6-14, 2010, at a time agreed upon with each applicant. Matching funds for the first year must be clearly identified by the time of the site visit. Candidates for site visits will be informed of preparation and process requirements when notified of their selection. (See CFP for more details) The program's National Advisory Committee (NAC) will recommend finalists to RWJF for funding, all funding decisions will be made by RWJF. Finalists will be notified of award decisions by July 30, 2010. Awards for funded proposals will begin October 1, 2010.

6. What criteria will be used to evaluate proposals and make funding decisions?

   Multiple criteria will be used to make funding decisions, which are described in the "Selection Criteria" section of the CFP.

7. What kinds of initiatives will NOT be funded?

   Proposals to directly support service delivery and educational programs are not eligible for funding. Specific guidance on the types of proposals that will and will not be funded is provided in the CFP under "The Program," "Eligibility Criteria," "Selection Criteria" and "Use of Grant Funds."

Proposal content and process questions

1. How many rounds of funding will there be under Communities Creating Healthy Environments?

   Up to 20 grants will be awarded over two rounds of funding (or 10 grants per cycle). The grants will be for up to $250,000 over a three-year period. Under this second round of funding, up to 10 more grants will be awarded to support local policy advocacy initiatives.

2. What type of policy issues should our organization focus on?

   Policy projects may address a wide range of issues related to food and recreation equity. Please see the CFP for more specific examples.

3. Does our organization need to identify our policy initiative in our proposal?

   No. Applicants are not required to specify a policy initiative in their proposal if childhood obesity policy options are unfamiliar to them. CCHE staff will work with successful applicants to identify a policy initiative that fits into their local context.

4. What outcomes does the project propose, and what is the methodology for achieving those outcomes within a community-based strategy?

   In order to address "outcomes," applicants should identify what would be different (assuming an effective policy initiative) as a result of your efforts (i.e., fairer distribution of public resources, broader base of engaged parents, increase in healthy food outlets, etc.). Define "methods"-- approaches you will use (i.e., community organizing, advocacy community based research, etc.) --to achieve these outcomes. Applicants should not outline how they would go about a policy initiative to pass an ordinance, for example, to guarantee equal funding for parks in every district, but rather describe the various factors that shape how your organization would seek to change the environment in your community and the outcomes you would like to see if you were successful.

5. How does the project define the food and recreation equity context and its relation to other social problems in the target community? What opportunities will the applicant leverage?

   The word "project" means your organizational or coalition's effort. Rather than naming the policy initiative at this point, please define the food and recreation equity context and how it would relate to the organizing you would do. What factors in your organizing environment make up the context? (i.e., low nutrition school lunches, lack of food markets, outdated school play equipment, inequitable funding and tax distribution, etc.) How do those factors shape/relate to other social problems?(i.e., racism, poverty, poor educational outcomes, gentrification, etc.)
   To address "opportunities" please discuss upcoming activities or assets in your organizing environment (i.e., city/county review of its master plan, new funding to be leveraged, new organizing formations, etc.) that shape your capacity to move this work locally.

Budget

1. Is a detailed budget required at the Letter of Intent stage?

   No. At this stage, we only require a one-page preliminary budget

2. How much money is available from RWJF?

   A total of $2.5 million will be awarded in this round of funding for policy advocacy grants to 10 communities nationwide. Awards are for up to $250,000 per site.

3. What is the indirect rate?

   The Foundation's indirect cost rate is 12 percent of direct costs. However, when the Purchased Services budget category totals more than 33 percent of the RWJF portion of a budget, the Foundation limits indirect costs on the Purchased Services category to 4 percent. The RWJF Grantmaking Online site contains RWJF Budget Preparation Guidelines and a complete explanation of indirect costs.

4. How should we handle indirect costs?

   Indirect costs are intended to help the grantee institution recover overhead expenses related to the management of the grant. These expenses may include grant-related costs that are not easily broken out but are necessary to administer the grant. Examples include payroll processing, utilities, maintenance costs, and administrative services, such as human resources and accounting. Indirect costs should be noted in your budget. Your budget may show no more than 12 percent of the RWJF grant dollars in indirect costs. The RWJF budget request may not exceed $250,000 over three years, including indirect costs.

5. Do applicants need to obtain in-kind support from partner organizations?

   Yes. Applicants must secure a minimum of 10 percent in in-kind services directly related to the effective implementation of the grant. This is in addition to cash match commitments for at least 10 percent of their proposed budget (up to $25,000 over three years, or approximately $8,333 per year). Capital costs and existing grants may not be used to match RWJF funds.

6. May we include indirect costs as part of our 10 percent cash support requirement?

   No. Indirect costs may not be included in this calculation. However, it is perfectly appropriate to include any and all cash and in-kind contributions (including staff, space, equipment, materials, meals for meetings, travel, pro bono consulting support, the fair market value or volunteer time, etc.) that directly support your proposed initiative.

7. Can government funds be used as part of the match requirement?

   No. Government funds may not be used to meet match requirements.

8. Can dollars raised by community fundraising activities be counted toward our local matching dollars?

   Yes. Matching funds must be new revenues (existing grants will not be accepted) and come from sources (e.g., individual donors, membership dues, canvassing, sales, etc.) that allow for lobbying, if lobbying is required to achieve the project's policy goals. RWJF funds cannot be used for lobbying under any circumstances.

9. Should the matching funds be raised collectively or each year?

   The matching funds can be raised on yearly basis prior to receiving your annual grant payment. At the full proposal stage, you will be asked to identify the sources of your additional cash and in-kind matches.

10. Will match funding from another foundation grant be acceptable for the match requirement?

    Grant funds from another foundation will be acceptable if funds are unrestricted and legally available for lobbying for this initiative. They must also be solely dedicated to your proposed initiative during the grant period.

11. Are there restrictions on the type of matching funds raised?

    Matching funds can come from any source--except food and beverage companies-- as long as the funds are unrestricted and can be used expressly for the purposes of lobbying as defined by law. Please contact the CCHE program office if you have any questions about a funding source. In addition, the Alliance for Justice (...) has helpful resources in this area.

12. Do our partners' volunteer time, staff time, refreshments and provision of meeting space meet the requirement for in-kind support? Should we include letters of support from partners for their work?

    Yes. If you are invited to submit a full proposal, letters of support must be obtained from organizations providing such commitments, identifying the sources and amounts. You will also record any planned commitments from other sources in your budget worksheets and narrative.

13. What qualifies as in-kind support?

    In-kind support may include such items as dedicated staff time provided by the project director or other key partners and supported by sources other than RWJF, the value of consultant time provided on a pro bono basis, and the fair market value of operating expenses related to the initiative, such as duplicating, materials, supplies and space.

14. For what purposes and line items may grant funds be used?

    The budget worksheet contains four categories: Personnel (salary and benefits–benefits not to exceed 35 percent of salary); Other Direct Costs (office operations, communications and marketing, travel, meeting expenses, surveys, equipment, project space and other); Purchased Services (consultants and contracts); and Indirect Costs (up to 12 percent of total direct costs). The Foundation accepts a rate of up to $500/day for consultants and requires that any proposed contracts include information on dates, funding amount and deliverables.
    If you are invited to submit a full proposal, you will receive detailed definitions and explanations of each category in the budget worksheet as part of the RWJF Grantmaking Online system.

15. Can we use grant funds for capital projects?

    No. Grant funds may not be used for land acquisition, capital expenditures, general operating expenses, existing deficits, direct medical care, as a substitute for funds currently being used to support similar activities, or for lobbying efforts.

16. Can we use grant money to pay for equipment?

    Yes. Equipment required to support the day-to-day activities of the initiative, such as a computer, copier, or fax machine, are acceptable with adequate justification. Equipment that is donated for use as part of the initiative also may be considered as in-kind support. RWJF grant money cannot be used for any capital expenses, such as renovations, or for any major purchases, such as a vehicle.

17. How detailed does the budget narrative need to be for the full proposal?

    The budget narrative should be as detailed as possible. It should demonstrate that the proposed budget is consistent with the proposal's design and RWJF guidelines, and it should show that the initiative is financially feasible and well conceived.

18. Do we need to include technical assistance in our proposed budget?

    No. All grantees will receive training and technical assistance in shaping their plans over and above their grant award as part of their participation in the program.

19. Can we start our initiative before receiving an award?

    Yes. However, RWJF dollars may not be used to reimburse for expenses incurred prior to the beginning of the grant award period. In addition, any funds expended before a grant is awarded by RWJF cannot be counted as part of the required match. In addition, you may not announce your funding from RWJF until the award period begins. Award announcements must be coordinated with the Communities Creating Healthy Environments national program and RWJF communications staff.

Notification

1. How will we know if our Brief Proposal and Full Proposal were successfully submitted and received?

   After you hit the "submit" button, you will see an automated response indicating that your submission was successful.

2. When will we be notified if we have been awarded a grant? When will funding begin?

   Applicants will be notified at key times during the process (refer to the "Selection Process" section of the FAQs for key dates). The individual listed as the proposed project director in the proposal will be the main point of contact during the brief and full proposal, and grant award phases. All grants are expected to begin on October 1, 2010.

3. Will I receive specific comments on my proposal after a decision is made?

   No. RWJF does not provide individual comments or critiques of proposals.

Grant Implementation

1. What is required from RWJF grantees funded through the Communities Creating Healthy Environments program?

   Grantees will be expected to meet RWJF requirements for the submission of periodic financial and narrative reports. At the close of the funding period, the lead organization will be expected to provide a written report on the project and its findings for broad dissemination.
   Project leaders and paid project staff will be expected to participate in convenings and other learning community events for Communities Creating Healthy Environments. Project leaders also are expected to participate in the ongoing evaluation of the initiative.

2. What type of technical assistance will grantees receive?

   Technical assistance and consultation will be provided to each of the grantees by Communities Creating Healthy Environments and partners. CCHE will link grantees to other resources, such as the new Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity.

3. Once grantees are selected for this round of proposals, will they be part of the Foundation's larger investment in childhood obesity?

   Communities Creating Healthy Environments is one program in the Foundation's larger body of work to address the childhood obesity epidemic. Receiving a grant from this program will not preclude an organization from receiving funding through another RWJF-supported initiative. In addition, grantees will be invited and encouraged to participate in a variety of activities engaging additional leaders, organizations and communities from other RWJF-funded initiatives.