The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is offering grant funding for education-focused projects aimed at mitigating alcohol and drug-impaired driving through innovative community-based activities. These projects are designed to shift public perspectives on impaired driving and increase the range of strategies used to address this critical issue. Successful proposals will highlight unique approaches that educate local communities about impaired driving laws and the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.
The primary objective of this grant is to support local efforts that reduce impaired driving incidents by fostering awareness and promoting safe driving behaviors. Projects should emphasize creative and effective methods of public education, including outreach campaigns, interactive programs, and partnerships with community organizations. The aim is to engage communities in a way that changes attitudes toward impaired driving and encourages compliance with traffic safety laws.
Eligible applicants for this grant include local government agencies, law enforcement organizations, and pass-through entities working on behalf of qualified nonprofit organizations. These entities must demonstrate a clear capacity to design and implement impactful community-based education initiatives. Collaboration with local stakeholders, such as schools, businesses, and advocacy groups, is encouraged to enhance the reach and effectiveness of proposed projects.
Funding can be used for a wide range of activities, including the development of educational materials, hosting community events, conducting workshops, and leveraging media campaigns to raise awareness. Projects that employ innovative or culturally tailored approaches to address impaired driving are particularly encouraged, as they may serve as models for broader implementation.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal that details the project’s objectives, planned activities, and anticipated outcomes. Proposals should articulate how the project aligns with the grant’s goals of reducing impaired driving through public education and shifting community norms. Applications must also outline the methods for evaluating the project’s effectiveness and impact over the one-year performance period.
The project performance period is one year, running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activities are feasible within this timeline and that they have the necessary resources and partnerships to execute their plans effectively. Specific submission requirements, application questions, and evaluation criteria can be found in the Request for Applications (RFA). Interested parties are encouraged to consult the RFA for detailed guidance and deadlines to ensure successful submission.
