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Targeted Research Funding

Targeted Research Funding partners with community-based organizations to support pilot studies, which may use qualitative methods and/or mixed-method research approaches to
examine the extent to which key actors within the medical, social, and public health systems are ready, willing, and
able to engage in the project and implement the proposed system alignment approach as envisioned.

 

Pilot studies examine the feasibility of all facets of the proposed system alignment approach, including issues related to workforce training, staffing, financing, data-sharing, governance, and participant recruitment and retention.
Additionally, pilot studies examine the feasibility of key elements of the research approach that will ultimately
be used to evaluate the impact of the alignment approach, including data collection, measurement, random or
nonrandom assignment, and access to relevant comparison groups.

 

The pilot study provides a clear assessment of the feasibility of the proposed system alignment approach and its potential to dismantle forms of structural racism and inequity embedded within the relevant medical, social, and public health systems.

Each pilot study funded undertakes the following activities:

  • Design and implement the proposed study that either pilot-tests an innovative systems alignment approach or evaluates the impact of the systems alignment approach on health and health equity.

  • Engage local, state, and/or national partners in the design, implementation, and translation of the research project.

  • Develop resources to help working partners use the evidence produced by the study to achieve systems alignment and systems change within and beyond the study settings.

  • Participate actively both in research dissemination and translation mechanisms organized by the National Program Office and RWJF, including research-in-progress webinars, blogs, podcasts, research meetings, and policy briefings.

  • Identify and pursue opportunities for research expansion, replication, and follow-on studies from RWJF and other research funding agencies.

Targeted Research Funding Grantees Cohort 1

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s System Alignment Innovation Hub research program invited 11 Practice Based Organizations (PBOs) to submit proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process on June 9, 2023. This RFP sought to identify PBOs, particularly those located in under resourced, racially and socially marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ+, homeless, immigrant, justice involved, people with disabilities, people with behavioral health conditions), that would like support from the SAIH in preparing their new systems alignment ideas for research testing. Invited PBOs chose from one of two 18-month research award categories 1) Targeted Research Funding Grantees and Equity Capacity Building Grant Grantees. (1) Moderate Developmental Awards that support pilot testing of a novel system alignment mechanism with funding of up to $175,000 per study to be used over a period of up to 18 months. The SAIH Review Committee recommended funding for four applications to complete Cohort 1 in the Intensive Developmental Award category. 

The SAIH Grantees Partners include:
 

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Equity Capacity Building Grantees

The Systems Alignment Innovation Hub (SAIH) launched the Equity Capacity Building Grant program in early January 2025 using a trust-based philanthropy framework (TBP). TBP values “fundamental beliefs, rooted in a commitment to redistributing power in service of a healthier and more equitable society, that drive an individual or organization’s attitudes, priorities, and actions”. For more on Trust-Based Philanthropy’s values and practices, check out www.trustbasedphilanthropy.org. SAIH shared the opportunity to submit proposals for these ECBG funds with eligible community-based organizations in early 2025 through our Community Power Network. By March 26th, SAIH had notified 12 grantees of their successful awards, totaling $800,000. Grantees are located across the United States and are located in under-resourced, racially and socially marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ+, homeless, immigrant, justice-involved, people with disabilities, people with behavioral health conditions).
 

The Equity Capacity Building Grantee Partners include: 

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