Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program NEW (Year 1)

The Drug-Free Communities Support Program – NEW (Year 1) is a federally funded initiative managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), on behalf of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). This program aims to strengthen and support community coalitions committed to preventing and reducing substance use among youth. Recognizing the ongoing challenges posed by substance misuse, the program targets local coalitions that have not previously received DFC funding, empowering them to implement strategic, evidence-based prevention initiatives within their communities. The primary goals of the program are twofold: first, to establish and fortify collaborations among community stakeholders in addressing youth substance use, and second, to reduce substance use among youth and, over time, among adults. Coalitions are expected to focus their interventions on at least two specific substances, drawing upon local needs assessments and data such as school suspension rates, juvenile court records, or emergency department visits. The program encourages the use of comprehensive strategies that address risk and protective factors at individual, family, and community levels, guided by models such as the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework and the National Coalition Institute's logic model. Funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will provide up to $125,000 per applicant per 12-month budget period, over a five-year performance term, contingent on the availability of funds and program performance. A 100 percent match from non-federal sources is required, which may include cash or in-kind contributions. Opioid settlement funds may be used to meet this matching requirement if permitted by applicable laws. Grant funds must be used exclusively for youth substance use prevention and may not support harm reduction efforts, research, stipends, tuition, or capital expenditures such as construction or equipment purchases. Eligibility is restricted to U.S.-based community coalitions that meet statutory requirements. These include having been in existence for at least six months, involving representatives from 12 specified sectors (e.g., youth, parents, media, law enforcement), and having a mission focused on youth substance use prevention. Coalitions may apply directly or through an eligible fiscal agent but must not have previously received more than 10 years of DFC funding. A range of organizational types may serve as fiscal agents, including state and local governments, school districts, tribal entities, and nonprofits. The application process involves submission through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 14, 2026. Required materials include a project narrative, budget narrative, sector representation table, meeting minutes, and proof of eligibility. There are no pre-application gating requirements such as a letter of intent, although applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on March 18, 2026. The expected award date is August 28, 2026, with funded projects commencing September 30, 2026. Applications will undergo initial eligibility screening, followed by merit and risk reviews. Awards will be made in rank order based on reviewer scores, with priority consideration given to rural, tribal, and economically disadvantaged areas in case of tie scores. Post-award, recipients must participate in the DFC National Cross-Site Evaluation, collect and report on core performance measures every two years, and submit annual progress and financial reports. Additionally, recipients are required to complete training through the National Coalition Institute within their first year of funding.

Ensure compliance with all DFC statutory eligibility requirements to avoid disqualification; Document how the 12 required sectors are involved and maintain distinction between coalition staff and sector representatives.