2026 DFC National Community Anti-Drug Institute Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), within the Executive Office of the President, administers the National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute (NCI) grant under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. ONDCP plays a pivotal role in coordinating national drug policy, overseeing a $40.7 billion budget across 19 federal agencies, and supporting both law enforcement and community prevention initiatives. As part of its prevention infrastructure, ONDCP supports local coalitions through the DFC program, and the NCI grant represents a critical mechanism to provide training and technical assistance to these coalitions. This funding opportunity seeks applications from national nonprofit organizations with demonstrated expertise in youth substance use prevention and broad national-level experience with community anti-drug coalitions. The grant will support a single award recipient for a one-year base period, beginning in June 2026, with the expectation of annual continuation applications. The successful applicant will be tasked with developing and implementing comprehensive training, technical assistance, and capacity-building efforts for both DFC and non-DFC funded community coalitions across the United States and its territories. The NCI's primary goals are twofold: increasing the percentage of effective community coalitions working to prevent youth substance use, and strengthening technical assistance across the prevention field. Awarded entities must provide no-cost training and support to coalition leaders, ensuring access to webinars, workshops, learning communities, and evidence-based tools. These services must also focus on underserved communities and include innovative dissemination of evaluation tools and performance measures. A key emphasis is placed on aligning coalition practices with the Strategic Prevention Framework and bridging the gap between research and practical implementation. Applicants are required to demonstrate an infrastructure capable of executing national training initiatives, including key personnel such as a Program Director, Coordinator, and Technical Assistance Manager. The application must include a project narrative, itemized budget with a justification narrative, documentation of nonprofit status, and formal partnership agreements if applicable. ONDCP strongly encourages collaboration among non-federal entities to leverage expertise, reach, and community connections. Applications are due by May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and must be submitted via Grants.gov. Prior to submission, applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness before proceeding to a merit review based on four evaluation criteria: partnership design, implementation plan, organizational capabilities, and performance measurement strategy. Notification of award is expected by June 2026, with the grant performance period beginning shortly thereafter. This grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds, though voluntary contributions, if proposed and accepted, become subject to audit. Pre-agreement costs are not generally approved and must receive written permission in advance. Award recipients will be subject to federal compliance standards including quarterly progress and financial reporting, adherence to executive orders, and maintaining internal controls. The grant is authorized by the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act and funded via the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.

Emphasize partnerships and strong evaluation plans; Follow the Strategic Prevention Framework; Tailor training to underserved communities.