2025 Call for Proposals: Community-Led Systems Research to Address Systemic Racism

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released a new research funding opportunity through the Systems for Action Research Program on January 15th, 2025. This year’s funding opportunity will provide research funding for community-led pilot-test studies that test the feasibility of new interventions designed to dismantle and disrupt forms of systemic racism through the alignment of medical, social, and public health systems. Pilot studies must be led by a community-based nonprofit, government agency, or tribal organization that serves communities affected by systemic racism, working in partnership with an experienced research team. Awards of up to $200,000 each will fund pilot-test studies that can be completed over a 12-month period.

Proposals for this funding opportunity are due on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 3pm ET. Late submissions will not be accepted for any reason.

Systems for Action will conclude its operations as a RWJF research program in December 2026 and will not release another CFP before then. Pilot studies funded through this CFP are expected to help grantees prepare for and pursue future research opportunities from other funding sources beyond the S4A program.
 

View 2025 Funding Opportunity Brochure

How to Apply

First, download the Funding Opportunity Brochure above and read it in its entirety. In the funding brochure you will find eligibility requirements, background on systems alignment research, what types of questions we are interested in funding, and information on what will constitute a strong proposal.

Next, download the Proposal Narrative Template and Budget Narrative Template (linked below). The Proposal Narrative Template provides suggested lengths for the sections of the proposal and what information we expect to see in each section. Both templates are also found in the RWJF application portal.

Finally, all applications for this solicitation must be submitted via the RWJF online system. Visit www.rwjf.org/cfp/S4A8 and use the “Apply Online” link.

2025 Proposal Narrative Template 2025 Budget Narrative Template Apply Now

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Wednesday, January 22, 3-4pm ET: Informational Webinar. Register here.
• Monday, February 24, 1-2pm ET: Informational Webinar. Register here.
• January 27 through May 29: Weekly Drop-in Office Hours for Applicants. The four upcoming office hours dates are updated weekly:
  • Tuesday, January 23, 3-4PM ET. Register here.
  • Thursday, January 30, 12-1PM ET. Register here.
  • Tuesday, February 4, 12-1PM ET. Register here.
  • Tuesday, February 11, 2-3PM ET. Register here.
• June 4, 2025, 3pm ET: Deadline for Application Submission. Late submissions will not be accepted for any reason.
• August 22, 2025: Applicants Notified of Funding Decisions. Date subject to change.
• October 1, 2025: Projects Start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here to read the 2025 CFP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you do not find the answer to your questions on this page, you can email us at systemsforaction@cuanschutz.edu.