Grant closed
Grant Details
An important step in building a Culture of Health is sharing stories within and across communities about what is possible to effectively address structural racism and other forms of discrimination to improve community conditions and advance health equity. Uplifting stories of progress can inspire, motivate and lead to deep cultural shifts in how we collectively address systemic oppression and make actionable changes to improve the lives of those most impacted.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize (“Prize”) program launched this one-time Prize Story Cohort open to Prize alumni communities that won the Prize prior to 2023. HRiA managed the programmatic development and implementation, along with the distribution of funds. The Prize Story Cohort engaged individuals from selected communities to expand the reach and influence of storytelling efforts happening within their coalitions and as part of a national effort supported by RWJF.
Selected grantees had the opportunity to hone their storytelling skills and create a campaign to reach targeted audiences with the support of the Prize program’s lead communications partner. Prize Story Cohort grantees shared their storytelling journey and successes with the Prize network through a World Cafe during the June 2025 Prize Celebration in New Orleans, LA.
Program Overview
Amount: $150,000 award from Health Resources in Action (HRiA), as part of the RWJF Culture of Health Prize program. These funds were provided to awardees to support their local efforts related to storytelling and offset any potential costs incurred during their participation in the Prize Story Cohort.
Duration: 12 months (April 16, 2024–April 15, 2025).
Purpose: Support Prize alumni storytelling efforts that align with the Prize criteria, in particular a focus on addressing structural racism and other structural injustices to create conditions that advance health equity.
Awardees:
Chelsea, Massachusetts
Columbia Gorge Region, Oregon, Washington
Drew, Mississippi
Everett, Massachusetts
Lake County, Colorado
Louisville, Kentucky
National City, California
Thunder Valley Community Oglala Lakota Nation (Oceti Sakowin Territory)- South Dakota
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Williamson, West Virginia