Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Community-based Coalition Enhancement Grants to Address Local Drug Crises, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to bolster efforts to prevent and reduce youth substance misuse. This program supports community-based coalitions that have previously been funded under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, aligning with national strategies to counteract opioid, methamphetamine, and prescription drug misuse among youth aged 12 to 18. Established under the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 and authorized by Public Law 114-198, Section 103, this initiative provides discretionary funding to enhance ongoing local efforts to combat substance abuse. Its mission is to augment the impact of existing coalitions by supporting strategic, data-driven responses tailored to high-need communities. Applicants must provide evidence of sustained substance misuse rates exceeding national averages, and eligible coalitions must have previously participated in or received DFC program support. Funding from this opportunity may be used to strengthen prevention infrastructure, coordinate with local stakeholders, implement evidence-based programs, and evaluate local prevention strategies. Restrictions include that funded activities must be domestic; international initiatives or entities are not eligible. The program also reflects the priorities of federal drug policy, requiring alignment with applicable Executive Orders concerning public safety and anti-discrimination practices. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 16, 2026. The expected total funding for FY2026 is approximately $16.875 million, supporting up to 45 awards, each with a maximum of $75,000. The estimated award and project start dates are June 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026, respectively. The program does not require matching funds. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, school districts, tribal organizations, and various local government entities. The coalition or its legal representative must be based in the United States or U.S. territories. Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility criteria, documentation of need, and the capacity to deliver measurable impact in targeted communities. Questions regarding the grant should be directed to Christi Jones via [email protected]. The forecast publication date is November 19, 2025, and this opportunity is anticipated to recur annually. The notice is currently in the forecast stage, with further details to be provided upon the release of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).