What is a Nominating Funding Partner?

As the name implies, the nominating funder writes the cover letter inviting the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to join in a funding partnership to support a new, community-based initiative that offers a creative solution to a challenging local health issue.

The nominating funder is not obligated to provide the total match from their own funds, but should be interested in participating as one of the local funding partners. The majority of successful LFP projects are supported by a coalition of many funding sources. The nominating funder usually serves as the liaison between the LFP national program office and the other local funding partners.

All types of grantmaking organizations are invited to participate as nominating funding partners including independent and private foundations, family and community foundations, corporate foundations, diversity-focused funds and other philanthropies. In addition to the foundations defined at grantmaking organizations, matching funds may come from endowments, individual benefactors, religious groups, special fundraising entities and other charitable organizations.

Please note: all types of grantmakers are welcome to nominate projects for the LFP Annual Grantmaking program. However, proposals for Peaceful Pathways: Reducing Exposure to Violence must be nominated by a diversity-focused funder.

The nominating letter should affirm the grantmaker’s strong endorsement of the initiative. It should also express the intention to work with the applicant and all potential funding partners to obtain the funding necessary to match RWJF funds throughout the grant period. It is helpful to include information regarding the nominating funder’s involvement with the development of this project, with the applicant agency, with other local coalition partners and with other interested local funders.