Below are brief summaries of Grant Results Reports available on past grantmaking in this field of interest. In some cases, the grants were made before the team decided on its current strategic objective. Findings and lessons from the grants described have nonetheless informed RWJF’s grantmaking. Visit the Foundation’s Web site www.rwjf.org for more Grant Results Reports.

Matching Grant Program Promotes Innovative Local Health Projects
In 1988, RWJF created the Local Initiative Funding Partners Program, a matching grants program designed to establish partnerships between RWJF and local grantmakers in support of innovative, community-based projects to improve health and health care for underserved and at-risk populations. Through 2004, 255 grants have been awarded to implement a wide range of health services and interventions in communities across the nation. A 2002 evaluation shows that these projects had high rates of sustainability following the initial grant. See the National Program Report at www.rwjf.org/reports/npreports/lifp.htm.

Nine States Expand School-Based Health Centers, Help Secure Ongoing Funding
Millions of school-age children in the United States have no health insurance coverage, and those who do face barriers to getting the health services they need. School-based health centers (SBHCs) can fill the gap. In 1994 RWJF launched Making the Grade: State and Local Partnerships to Establish School-Based Health Centers to help nine states (Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont) expand SBHCs and promote policies to sustain them. An evaluation found that SBHCs were a respected part of the publicly supported health system infrastructure and were gaining momentum even in states with new programs. In February 2001, the national program office became the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools. See the National Program Report at www.rwjf.org/reports/npreports/MakingGrade. htm.

Project Identifies 33 Indicators That a Community Is “Elder-Friendly”
Those over age 85 are the largest-growing segment of the U.S. population. To accommodate the majority of older people who want to remain independent, continue living at home and “age in place,” communities need to provide a supportive environment for them. The Center for Home Care Research at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York developed 33 elder-friendly indicators and tested these in 10 communities. Each community received the survey data and set in place a process for developing action plans. The project staff also profiled “best practices” initiatives that promote elder health and independence in 17 U.S. communities. See the Grant Results Report at www.rwjf.org/reports/grr/044682.htm.

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