Your community could win $25K through the Culture of Health Prize

Every year, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) honors U.S. communities that are making strides and setting an example in the effort to lead more people to healthy lifestyles through the Culture of Health Prize. In 2017, up to 10 winners will receive a $25,000 prize, along with the opportunity to share their strategies and accomplishments with the nation through RWJF.

The Culture of Health prize recognizes and celebrates communities where businesses, nonprofits or civic organizations—including afterschool programs—law enforcement and schools have joined forces to improve the community's health and overall wellbeing. The deadline to apply for the 2017 Culture of Health Prize is November 2, 2016.

What are the judges looking for?

There are many ways a community can build a Culture of Health, including:  encouraging healthy behaviors, establishing clinical care, researching social and economic factors, and improving the physical environment. Judges will look to see that applicant communities are taking action across these areas. Judges will also look to see how a community responds to the unique needs of its citizens, and are particularly interested in seeing effective changes in education, employment/income, family and social support, and community safety.

Who is eligible to apply?

As the Culture of Health Prize is intended to honor U.S. communities at large, submissions representing the work of a single organization will not be considered. However, afterschool programs are doing their part to improve the health of kids, families and communities across the country. Your program could play a key role in the application process, and could stand to benefit if your community wins the Culture of Health Prize.

Applications to the Culture of Health Prize may represent any of the following:

• City, town, village, borough, and other local incorporated places.
• County or parish.
• Federally-recognized tribe.
• Native Hawaiian organization serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians in Hawaii.
• Region (such as contiguous towns, cities, or counties). 
• Neighborhoods, states and unincorporated local communities are not eligible to apply. 

Who are the previous winners?

Learn more about communities who have previously won the Culture of Health Prize on the RWJF website. RWJF received over 200 applications for the 2016 Culture of Health Prize, and has since narrowed the pool down to 16 finalists.

How can I learn more about the Culture of Health Prize?

If you're seriously considering helping your community apply to RWJF's Culture of Health Prize, read the full FAQ, watch the video embedded below, or visit the RWJF website!