Jackson County Drug-Free Council Grant Program

The Jackson County Drug-Free Council, Inc. administers an annual grant program that funds local initiatives targeting substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and enforcement in Jackson County, Indiana. This community-driven program is supported by fees collected from local DUI and drug possession charges, reinvested to address pressing local needs identified in a Comprehensive Community Plan. The Council, comprised of local volunteers and stakeholders, meets monthly to engage the public and align strategies for reducing substance misuse across the county. Eligible programs must directly benefit residents of Jackson County and align with the plan’s SMART Goals and problem statements, which emphasize prevention among youth, increasing treatment access, and supporting law enforcement. Funding is awarded to local organizations proposing projects that address at least one of three core problem areas: (1) the prevalence of tobacco, THC, and illicit substance use, (2) barriers to recovery, and (3) the impact of trafficking and overdoses on local systems. The grant encourages collaborative, county-wide impact and discourages redundancy by requiring applicants to demonstrate cooperation with similar initiatives. Projects must also be measurable, with specific outcomes aligned to the SMART Goals—for instance, delivering targeted educational materials, expanding referral services in schools, participating in outreach events, and supporting incarcerated individuals re-entering the community. The funding can support project-related costs across three key sectors: Prevention/Education, Intervention/Treatment, and Law Enforcement/Justice. However, salaries for general staff are not eligible, with the exception of overtime pay for law enforcement engaged in substance misuse countermeasures. Applications are evaluated on the strength of their alignment with the Council’s plan, community impact, measurability of outcomes, and the presence of a clear evaluation strategy. Quarterly reports are mandatory for all recipients, as are receipts and documentation of all expenditures. The application process requires a completed cover sheet, a three-page project narrative addressing six key areas, a detailed budget, and a budget narrative focused solely on requested Community Drug Fund usage. All materials must be submitted via email to [email protected] by March 1, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by email, with further instructions for claim vouchers and reporting. Grantees must agree to several terms, including active participation in the Council by attending at least six meetings throughout the grant period, acknowledgment of the Council in all public materials, and timely submission of required reports. Projects must be completed by April of the year following the grant cycle. Failure to meet any of the outlined requirements may result in future disqualification from funding. All questions should be directed to Brenda Turner, Coalition Director, at (812) 216-2229 or via email at [email protected].