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

The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program was established through the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-20) and is jointly administered by the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically through the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). This grant program supports the federal government’s effort to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse across communities in the United States and its territories. The primary purpose of the DFC Support Program is to empower community-based coalitions to establish and strengthen partnerships that address youth substance use. These coalitions are expected to focus their efforts on reducing substance use among individuals 18 years of age and younger. In addition to this core objective, the DFC Program also seeks to promote systemic changes that decrease risk factors and enhance protective factors in communities to address adult substance use over time. Funding for this initiative is forecasted for Fiscal Year 2026, with an estimated total program funding pool of $31,250,000. The anticipated number of awards is 50, with each award having a ceiling of $125,000. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is in place, though the specific matching amount has not yet been disclosed. Applications will be submitted electronically and must be received by 11:59 PM ET on April 14, 2026. Successful applicants can expect to be notified by August 31, 2026, with projects commencing on September 30, 2026. The estimated post date for this opportunity is January 27, 2026. Eligible applicants include a broad spectrum of entities such as nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, local governments (city, township, county), school districts, institutions of higher education (both public and private), federally recognized and state-recognized tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, and other community and faith-based organizations. However, only community-based coalitions that have never previously received a DFC grant are eligible to apply. These coalitions must be domestic and must represent a collaborative framework wherein participating groups retain their individual identities while collectively working toward a shared objective of preventing youth substance use. The definition of a coalition under this program is a formal community-based partnership that facilitates coordination and collaboration across sectors. Each applicant or the coalition it represents must reside within the United States or its territories. There are no geographic restrictions beyond this requirement, making the program nationwide in scope. There are no preliminary deadlines such as Letters of Intent or RFIs listed in the forecast documentation. For further information, interested parties may contact Christi Jones at DFC_NOFO@cdc.gov or by phone at 000-000-0000. While the official application packet has yet to be posted, prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare by reviewing eligibility requirements and coordinating across coalition members to ensure alignment with program goals. The application system will open on or around January 27, 2026, with submission due in mid-April, allowing for a defined pre-application window to prepare responses and compile required documentation.