Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program - (Year 6 - FY25 Cohort)

The Drug-Free Communities Support Program, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on behalf of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), aims to support community coalitions in their efforts to prevent and reduce substance use among youth. This funding opportunity, designated as Year 6 for the FY25 Cohort (CDC-RFA-CE-26-0208), is designed specifically for coalitions that have previously received a DFC grant and are seeking funding for a second five-year cycle or have experienced a lapse in funding. The program reflects the ONDCP’s commitment to fostering strong, collaborative community-based responses to substance use issues impacting young people across the United States and its territories. The primary objectives of the DFC Support Program are twofold: first, to establish and strengthen collaboration among community stakeholders to address youth substance use; and second, to reduce substance use among youth, with a long-term goal of also reducing use among adults. Coalitions funded through this program are expected to implement evidence-based strategies that address local risk and protective factors, promote public awareness, and build capacity for sustained change. Activities must focus on at least two specific substances, guided by community needs assessments and local data. Emphasis is placed on a comprehensive approach involving 12 required community sectors, including youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, and health professionals. Funding is provided as a federal grant, with each selected coalition eligible for up to $125,000 per year for five years. A 100% match from non-federal sources is required in Year 6, increasing to 125% in Years 7–8 and 150% in Years 9–10, with both cash and in-kind contributions accepted. Funds may be used for a variety of coalition activities, but there are strict prohibitions, such as using funds for research, clinical care, equipment purchases, youth sports, stipends, or law enforcement equipment. Opioid settlement funds may be used to satisfy match requirements, provided applicable state and local laws permit such use. Eligible applicants must be community-based coalitions that have previously received DFC funding but have not exceeded the 10-year funding cap. Coalitions must demonstrate a formal structure involving representatives from each of the 12 required sectors, a clear mission to prevent youth substance use, and the ability to manage federal funding. Fiscal agents may apply on behalf of coalitions, provided they are located in the same state and can demonstrate appropriate oversight through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Applicants must also provide documentation such as meeting minutes, budget narratives, proof of legal status, and assurance of compliance with statutory eligibility criteria. Applications are due by February 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET via Grants.gov. A voluntary informational webinar will be held on January 13, 2026. The project period is five years, divided into annual 12-month budget periods. Award notifications are expected by June 1, 2026, with the performance start date set for July 1, 2026. Required elements include a project narrative, budget justification, sector table, and documentation of previous funding. Applicants must also commit to participating in a national cross-site evaluation and submitting performance data every two years. Annual reports are required to demonstrate progress and ensure compliance. Evaluation of applications will be based on a 100-point scale across criteria including background and need, proposed approach, community engagement, performance measurement, and organizational capacity. Special attention will be paid to coalitions serving rural, tribal, or economically disadvantaged communities in the case of application ties. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA), which constitutes the official authorization to begin work. The CDC will monitor awardees' performance and compliance, and all recipients must complete a required training hosted in collaboration with ONDCP. This NOFO represents a continued effort by the federal government to enable local solutions to address youth substance use effectively and sustainably.

Use SMART objectives and align with DFC logic model; provide detailed, data-informed strategies tailored to the community.