Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success for Communities, Local Governments, Universities, Colleges, and Tribes/Tribal Organizations

The FY 2024 Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) funding opportunity from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) targets substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion across communities, universities, colleges, local governments, and tribal organizations. This program aims to enhance local and tribal prevention capacity, particularly within underserved communities. SAMHSA will fund projects that use data-driven, community-centered strategies aligned with the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), a model designed to assess, plan, and implement evidence-based prevention programs that address substance misuse risks in youth and adults. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit entities, such as local governments, universities, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations. Grants are awarded for up to five years, with a maximum of $375,000 per year. The total available funding is estimated at $15.5 million for FY 2024. Applications are due by February 21, 2024, with projects expected to begin by September 30, 2024. Notably, organizations already funded under similar SAMHSA grants in recent years are ineligible to apply to avoid overlap with existing initiatives. The grant prioritizes activities that promote culturally competent and sustainable prevention services. Required activities include conducting needs assessments, engaging local stakeholders, developing prevention strategies, and implementing monitoring and evaluation measures. Projects should aim to reduce substance use issues, including underage drinking, opioid misuse, and tobacco use. SAMHSA encourages coordination with local and state agencies, specifically through SPF-PFS State awardees when applicable. Applications must include a project narrative (10-page maximum), budget justifications, letters of commitment from partners, and a data collection plan. Key personnel, such as a Project Director and Data Analyst, are required to devote at least 0.5 FTE each to the project. Successful applicants will also create a Disparity Impact Statement to outline plans for addressing behavioral health disparities in their target communities. Evaluation of applications will consider factors such as community need, clarity of the project plan, organizational experience, and cost-effectiveness. Applications that prioritize underserved communities are eligible for bonus points. Awardees must submit quarterly and annual performance reports detailing project outcomes, including data on individuals reached and changes in local substance misuse patterns.