Engagement & Impact
Rapid Impact Projects To Inform Decision-making and Efficiency (RIPTIDE)
Although RIPTIDE’s competitive application process is offered once per year, we recognize that high‑impact, time‑sensitive opportunities can arise at any point. If you believe your project could meaningfully advance COPHI’s mission and requires more rapid consideration, please reach out to [email protected] for guidance.
RIPTIDE aims to:
- RIPTIDE aims to support innovative,high‑impact projectsthat advance community practice, inform policy, strengthen research, or enhance education. These projects should be designed for rapid executionwith a clear and compelling pathway to meaningful impact.
- RIPTIDE funds are intended to serve as seed support. Away to help germinate early‑stage ideas, pilot new approaches, or test concepts that have strong potential but need initial momentum.
- Projects should aim to produce a concrete deliverable(e.g., prototype, dataset, policy brief, analysis, curriculum component, community partnership model) that can grow into something larger. The expectation is that successful RIPTIDE projects will be positioned for subsequentdevelopment, including the opportunity to apply for a Phase 2 RIPTIDE awardor other external funding.
- Finally, all funded projects should meaningfully advance both the investigator's professional trajectory and COPHI's mission, generating work that strengthens individual career growth while contributing to the COPHI's broader goal of addressing poverty-related health challenges through research, education, and policy impact.
We encourage applicants to return for continued development of their ideas. Although the number of awards granted each year is limited, there is no cap on how many times one person or team may be funded.
- All applicants must be a COPHI Member
- All proposals should be submitted via the SmartSheet application HERE
- Applications will be reviewed by a panel that includes reviewers outside of COPHI leadership to ensure a fair, blanaced and transparent process.
- Applicants will recieve feedback on their submissions regardless of funding decisions andmay be contacted for additionalinformation or clarification prior to award determinations.
- Projects must demonstrate a likelihood of leading to rapid impact in Community Practice, Research or Education.
- Project must be of appropriate scope for proposed time period.
- Projects must be structured for rapid completion, ideally within 6 months, with justification provided if additional time is needed. Applicants anticipating a project duration longer than 6 months should plan to pursue a two‑phase approach, submitting an initial Phase 1 application and a subsequent Phase 2 proposal as the project evolves.
- All RIPTIDE projects must demonstrate relevance to at least one of the three COPHI drivers, and applicants should clearly explain how their proposed work advances COPHI’s mission within these priority areas.
- Funded projects are expected to produce a deliverable, including but not limited to:
- Midpoint Check-In
- Final Report
- Demo of software/Service
- Written white paper for community partners
- Educational Toolkit (If Applicable)
- Present at a COPHI sponsored event
The awardee must acknowledge the funding source on all presentations and publications.
Project Proposal Narrative:
- Maximum 5 pages, must include:
- Clear Problem Statement (approximately ½ page)
- Measurable Outcomes
- Rapid Implementation Plan (approximately ½ page)
- Alignment with initiative (approximately ½ page)
- Proposed timeline to complete the project (approximately ½ page)
- Milestone Plan (approximately ½ page)
- Budget and Budget Justification (approximately 1 page)
Future direction of the project:
- Maximum 1 Page, must include
- Planned next steps after phase 1 funding
- Scalability and long-term impact potential
- Sustainability beyond RIPTIDE funding
Career Vision & Strategic Alignment Overview:
- Maximum 1 page, must include
- Short- and long-term career goals
- Explain how this project advances your professional development.
- Describe how this project strengthens your role of future contributions within COPHI.
References
Biosketch or CV
Letter of support from an end user or collaborator
While there is no maximum budget, Phase 1 requests exceeding $10,000 will require additional discussion and justification.
Allowable costs include:
- Costs of data collection, entry and analysis
- Essential supplies
- Software
- Travel
- Marketing Materials
Unallowable costs and activities include:
- Faculty or staff salaries (Without prior approval)
- Basic office supplies
If you have questions regarding your budet please email to [email protected]