Drug Free Communities Grants Announced

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced the availability of $3.75 million in grants for the Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC).  Recognizing that local problems require local solutions, this program funds efforts to strengthen community coalitions working to combat substance use among youth.  A community-focused initiative, the DFC encourages participation from community groups, nonprofits, local government, schools and residents invested in the reduction of substance use among youth.  By helping communities identify the unique factors that may increase the risk of substance abuse in the community, the DFC program intends promote factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse among youth and adults.  At a time when youth substance use is of concern, recent evaluation data suggests that DFC-funded communities have decreased rates of youth substance use.

Eligible DFC applicants include community-based coalitions focused on addressing youth substance use.  These coalitions must represent a broad spectrum of residents and include representatives from the following categories: youth, the business sector, law enforcement, schools and healthcare.  For a complete list of required coalition members, as well as detailed information about the application process, please click here.

SAMHSA expects to award up to 30 grants in the amount of $125,000.  Awards may be renewed for up to 5 years and coalitions must provide a one-to-one grant match.  Applications are due March 22, 2012.