Grantmaker · Funders · Princeton, New Jersey · Est. 1936
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is a U.S. health-focused philanthropic foundation based in Princeton, New Jersey, whose mission centers on achieving health equity by transforming policies and systems affecting health. RWJF combines grantmaking with research, evaluation and learning, convening, policy advocacy, and impact investing to support community- and institution-led change.
Its grantmaking and research approach places health equity at the center, including a stated emphasis on restructuring how the foundation evaluates its own decisions and history through a “Truth, Repair, and Transformation” process. Operationally, RWJF is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by a President and CEO. The foundation organizes its work through focus areas and signature initiatives, including leadership development programs and large-scale evidence and data-to-action efforts. Among RWJF’s programmatic platforms are: Health Policy Research Scholars (HPRS), a multi-year doctoral leadership program; County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a data and strategy platform supported by RWJF and operated by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute; and the RWJF Culture of Health Prize, which recognizes community-led progress toward health equity. Strategically, RWJF is currently investing in both grantmaking and capital deployment (impact investing) as complementary tools for advancing health outcomes and equity. In its impact investing materials, RWJF describes the foundation’s use of program-linked investments alongside grants, and it has publicly announced multi-hundred-million-dollar allocations and directed investments tied to health equity priorities.
We compiled research and data on what can help us achieve health equity. This includes building evidence to deepen our understanding of what shapes health and what types of policy and system changes have the greatest potential for impact.
Advocacy and PolicyWe've compiled public health advocacy and policy data from the best teams across the country, and we're interested to share what we've learned.
RWJF AnswersRWJF Answers is an AI large language model tool that explores years of credible RWJF health insights, instantly.
Expert Insights & Thought LeadershipOur blog features perspectives from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation staff and guest authors, grantees, and partners who are working to achieve health equity—faster and together.
Terms of UseRWJF published the 2026 annual message from President and CEO Richard Besser, framing RWJF’s role in addressing threats to public health and emphasizing accountability and ongoing transformation work.
RWJF Names Tracey Wilmot as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)RWJF announced Tracey Wilmot’s appointment as CHRO, effective February 23, 2026, to lead people strategy and talent development work as part of the Executive Leadership Team.
RWJF Announces New Trustees Kelley Hall and Patricia Miller ZollarRWJF announced election of Kelley Hall and Patricia Miller Zollar to the Board of Trustees, effective October 22, 2025.
RWJF Names Camille M. Busette, PhD, as Executive Vice President, ProgramsRWJF announced that Camille M. Busette will join as Executive Vice President, Programs, to oversee programs, grantmaking, and impact investing; the release states she will join on August 4, 2025.
RWJF Selects 2024 Culture of Health Prize WinnersRWJF announced nine communities chosen to receive the 2024 RWJF Culture of Health Prize.
RWJF Board Elects Daniel Dawes and Barbara Ferrer as New TrusteesRWJF announced election of Daniel Dawes and Barbara Ferrer to the Board of Trustees, effective April 22, 2025.