Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health

As our current reality underscores, we live in a dynamic world—where unforeseen global events; new technologies; scientific discoveries; changes in our climate, economy, demographics; and more—continually shape where and how we live, learn, work and play. These changes will profoundly impact health equity in our society, from our individual health and the health of our families to the health of our communities.

What dramatic changes might we see in the next 5 to 15 years? What can we do today to create a better, more equitable tomorrow?   

We seek to answer these questions, anticipate the future, and support unconventional approaches and breakthrough ideas that can help lead the way to a future where everyone in the United States can live their healthiest life possible.

Purpose

Pioneering Ideas: Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health seeks proposals that are primed to influence health equity in the future. We are interested in ideas that address any of these four areas of focus: Future of Evidence; Future of Social Interaction; Future of Food; Future of Work. Additionally, we welcome ideas that might fall outside of these four focus areas, but which offer unique approaches to advancing health equity and our progress toward a Culture of Health.

We want to hear from scientists, anthropologists, artists, urban planners, community leaders—anyone, anywhere who has a new or unconventional idea that could alter the trajectory of health, and improve health equity and well-being for generations to come. The changes we seek require diverse perspectives and cannot be accomplished by any one person, organization or sector. 

Please note: While this call for proposals is focused on broader and longer-term societal trends and shifts that were evolving prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize the unique circumstances and learning created by the COVID-19 pandemic may inform your response. It is at your discretion whether you propose a project related to the pandemic directly or indirectly.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Preference will be given to applicants that are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not private foundations or Type III supporting organizations. Applicant organizations must be based in the United States or its territories. Submissions from teams that include both U.S. and international members are eligible, but the lead applicant must be based in the United States.

Applications will be evaluated based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

• Strength of health equity focus: How will this project increase opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make? 

• Strength of insight: How will this project help us anticipate, adapt to, and influence the future in 5 to 15 years?

• Strength of idea: Is this project pioneering in one or more of these ways?
  • Offers a new take or perspective on a long-running, perplexing problem;
  • Challenges assumptions or cultural practices;
  • Takes an existing idea and gives it a new spin—or a novel application;
  • Applies ideas from other fields;
  •  Explores how an emerging trend will shape the future;  and/or
  • Describe in which other way you see your project as pioneering

Key Dates

Proposals will be accepted throughout the year on a rolling admission.  

Total Awards

The average Pioneer grant in 2019 was $315,031. However, there is not an explicit range for budget requests. Grant periods are flexible, though generally range from 1 to 3 years.