Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program - New (Year 1 Recompete)

The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, offered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), is a federal grant initiative aimed at preventing and reducing substance use among youth across the United States. Funded and administered by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and managed by the CDC on its behalf, the DFC program emphasizes grassroots community coalitions as vehicles for promoting drug-free lifestyles in youth. This particular notice of funding opportunity (CDC-RFA-CE-26-0220) is intended for new applicants forming part of the Fiscal Year 2025 cohort and focuses on establishing robust community-based partnerships to foster prevention and resilience. The program supports coalitions that have not previously received DFC funding, targeting collaboration among 12 distinct community sectors, including youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, and others. These multi-sector coalitions are expected to use data-driven, evidence-based strategies to address two or more specific substances contributing to youth substance use within their communities. The DFC program’s dual objectives are to build and strengthen collaboration among community stakeholders and to reduce substance use among youth, which in turn is expected to reduce substance use among adults over time. Funding for this initiative is structured over a five-year performance period, with awards of up to $125,000 per year per recipient. A critical component of eligibility is the requirement to secure a 100 percent match from non-federal sources, which can include in-kind contributions, third-party cash, or acceptable uses of opioid settlement funds. The program clearly outlines what qualifies as a valid in-kind match and what does not. For instance, volunteer hours, office space, and pro bono professional services are acceptable, whereas federal funds and certain program-specific grants are not. Eligibility is strictly defined by statutory requirements, including that applicants must be community-based coalitions working on youth substance use for at least six months and comprising representatives from the 12 required sectors. Coalitions must either be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or partner with a legal fiscal agent eligible to receive federal funding. A comprehensive suite of documentation is required, including sector representation tables, meeting minutes, proof of legal status, and statements affirming compliance with funding caps and prior award limits. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 12, 2026, and must be submitted via Grants.gov. A pre-application informational webinar will be held on January 12, 2026. Required application materials include a one-page abstract, a 20-page project narrative, a detailed budget narrative, and numerous attachments to verify statutory eligibility. Coalitions must propose a 12-month action plan with SMART objectives aligned to the program’s goals and logic model. They must also plan to participate in the DFC National Cross-Site Evaluation, which involves biennial reporting on substance use indicators among youth in at least three school grades. Award announcements are expected around June 1, 2026, with funded projects beginning July 1, 2026. Grantees must adhere to federal cost principles and restrictions, including prohibitions on research, clinical care, and certain program costs like youth sports or stipends. Training is required for new recipients, including participation in the National Coalition Institute Training Program. All awardees must continue meeting statutory eligibility requirements annually to maintain funding. This NOFO represents a strategic effort to empower local communities to tackle youth substance use with sustainable, coalition-led solutions rooted in collaboration and data-driven action.

Include specific and measurable objectives; ensure 1:1 match; do not exceed funding cap; align logic model and evaluation plans.