The Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program is an initiative by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in collaboration with the Urban Institute, serving as the national coordinating center. This grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in the United States in using data to address inequities in the physical, economic, and social conditions of local communities. The program seeks to empower organizations to collect, analyze, and apply data to inform policy decisions, improve local conditions, and advance health equity. RWJF acknowledges that structural racism plays a significant role in perpetuating disparities, and this funding opportunity is designed to leverage local data to drive meaningful change.

This initiative will provide up to 30 grants, each valued at $50,000, with a nine-month project period. The grant supports community organizations in their efforts to harness local data to set priorities, advocate for community needs, and hold decision-makers accountable. The program also promotes equitable data practices, ensuring that those most affected by health disparities are actively involved in data collection, interpretation, and application. The ultimate goal is to enable grantees to document and share innovative approaches that other communities can adopt and adapt.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) entities under the IRS code. Universities, whether public or private, are not eligible to apply directly but may partner with eligible organizations. Organizations with a fiscal sponsor that meets the eligibility criteria may also apply, provided that the sponsor is not a university. Applications must focus on specific local geographies, including neighborhoods, cities, counties, metropolitan areas, or tribal areas. Each organization may submit only one proposal under this funding opportunity.

The application deadline is March 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. An optional applicant webinar will be held on February 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET, requiring prior registration. Awardees will be notified on May 23, 2025, with grant funding starting on July 15, 2025. All applications must be submitted online through the designated grant portal.

Funding will be structured as grants and will cover a variety of expenses necessary for data collection, analysis, and application efforts. The fiscal sponsorship fee is considered an allowable expense under the award. The RWJF and the Urban Institute will provide ongoing grantee support, program design assistance, and communications support to ensure the effectiveness of funded projects.

For additional details, applicants may visit https://localdataforequitablecommunities.org or contact the award representatives Leah Hendey and Kathryn Pettit at localdata@urban.org.