OJJDP FY25 Community and Schools Youth Drug Prevention Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, through its Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), has announced the OJJDP FY25 Community and Schools Youth Drug Prevention Program. This federal funding opportunity seeks to support communities in the development and implementation of substance use prevention programs for youth, targeting both school and extracurricular environments. The funding is designed to be carried out in partnership with local law enforcement and broad-based community coalitions. It aims to reduce youth drug use through a comprehensive set of strategies, including education, early intervention, treatment referral, mentoring, family engagement, staff and community training, and the creation of safe passage zones for students. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach, requiring applicants to engage stakeholders from a wide range of community sectors such as parents, schools, businesses, religious organizations, law enforcement, treatment providers, healthcare professionals, and civic groups. The scope of funding prioritizes comprehensive prevention programs for children and adolescents from preschool through grade twelve. Activities must focus on decreasing youth substance use, strengthening partnerships, and addressing related public safety issues. To align with broader Department of Justice priorities, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their projects support law enforcement operations, combat violent crime, protect children, assist crime victims, and address human trafficking or sexual assault. OJJDP will provide up to $10,000,000 in total program funding, with approximately 13 awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to be capped at $750,000, with project periods lasting up to 36 months. Applicants should note that OJJDP expects awardees to subaward at least 70 percent of their award to competitively selected subrecipients, with subawards ranging between $350,000 and $750,000 depending on project scope and capacity. Funding is contingent on congressional appropriations and subject to federal financial rules and statutory authority under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025. Unallowable uses of funds include activities violating immigration laws, discriminatory practices, and providing legal services to unauthorized immigrants, with limited exceptions. Eligibility for this program is restricted to nonprofit organizations, both those with and without IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Applicants may submit multiple proposals provided each represents a distinct project. Partnerships are encouraged, but only one entity may serve as the applicant, with others designated as subrecipients. Cost sharing or matching contributions are not required. Applications are subject to all applicable DOJ assurances, certifications, and financial management requirements, and applicants must demonstrate administrative and technical capacity to deliver proposed programming and report on required performance measures. The application process is twofold. Step one requires submission of the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by October 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Step two requires submission of the full application in JustGrants by November 3, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must maintain active registration in SAM.gov, possess a Unique Entity Identifier, and ensure compliance with DOJ financial and administrative policies. Required attachments include resumes of key personnel, a program implementation timeline, and if applicable, indirect cost rate agreements. Applicants are strongly advised to begin the registration and submission process early, as delays may prevent timely submission. Applications will be evaluated on need, goals and objectives, project design, implementation plan, and organizational capacity. Performance reporting will be required throughout the award period, focusing on outcomes such as reductions in youth substance use and strengthened community partnerships. Award notifications will be issued following DOJ’s internal review process, and recipients will be subject to standard federal post-award administrative and reporting requirements. Contact information for program-related inquiries is available through the OJP Response Center by phone at 800–851–3420 or 202–353–5556, or by email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. Technical assistance is available for SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants submissions through their respective service desks. This program represents an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to lead community-based coalitions in addressing youth substance use at multiple levels, from school-based education to community safety and intervention. With its focus on broad partnerships, compliance with federal law, and accountability in implementation, the program aims to enhance both prevention outcomes and community safety. Interested organizations must adhere strictly to the submission requirements and deadlines to ensure consideration for funding in this competitive grant program.

Applicants are encouraged to begin SAM.gov registration early, submit SF-424 and JustGrants applications at least 48 hours before deadlines, and review DOJ Application Resource Guide for compliance.