Building Communities of Recovery

The Building Communities of Recovery program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal initiative is designed to strengthen community-based recovery systems by funding Recovery Community Organizations that provide peer-led support services. The program is authorized under the Public Health Service Act and reflects national priorities to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions through long-term, person-centered recovery strategies. The initiative aligns with broader federal goals to reduce overdose, expand behavioral health workforce capacity, and improve coordination across healthcare and social service systems. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to mobilize and connect community resources that increase access to long-term recovery support services. A central component is the delivery of Peer Recovery Support Services, which are non-clinical services provided by individuals with lived experience in recovery. These services emphasize mentorship, navigation, encouragement, and connection to resources. Funded organizations are expected to build partnerships across healthcare, social services, housing, employment, and criminal justice systems to support individuals at all stages of recovery and promote sustained stability and reintegration into the community. Funding supports a wide range of required and allowable activities. Required activities include delivering peer recovery services, training and supervising peer staff, establishing partnerships with treatment and community organizations, and promoting recovery-ready workplace initiatives. Additional allowable activities may include housing support coordination, overdose prevention education, workforce development, stigma reduction, and public health education. However, there are strict funding restrictions, including prohibitions on certain uses such as harm reduction activities as defined by the agency, discriminatory practices, and the purchase of certain medications. All funded activities must align with federal regulations and agency priorities. Eligibility is limited to Recovery Community Organizations that are nonprofit entities led by individuals in recovery and formally recognized through accreditation or certification programs. Applicants must demonstrate experience in delivering recovery support services and must provide documentation of accreditation status at the time of application. The program also requires cost sharing, with federal funding covering no more than 85 percent of total project costs and applicants responsible for the remaining 15 percent through cash or in-kind contributions. The application process requires submission through federal systems including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive application package that includes a project narrative, budget narrative, attachments such as letters of commitment, documentation of nonprofit status, and evidence of Recovery Community Organization certification. The project narrative must address specific evaluation criteria including population need, implementation approach, evidence-based practices, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Applications are reviewed through an initial screening followed by a merit-based peer review process. The application deadline is July 16, 2026, with an important limitation that only the first 70 complete and high-quality applications will be reviewed. Awards are expected to be announced by September 1, 2026, with a project start date of September 30, 2026. The project period may extend up to three years, with annual continuation dependent on performance and funding availability. Recipients are required to participate in ongoing reporting, data collection, and technical assistance activities, including quarterly collaboration sessions and annual meetings. Throughout the grant period, recipients must adhere to strict performance measurement and reporting requirements, including the use of federal data systems to track client outcomes and service delivery. The program emphasizes accountability, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement. By investing in peer-led recovery infrastructure and community partnerships, this initiative aims to expand access to recovery services, improve long-term outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders, and strengthen community resilience nationwide.

Ensure documentation of RCO certification is included or application will be rejected; Align project with SAMHSA strategic priorities and required activities; Demonstrate strong partnerships and workforce development plans; Submit early due to 70 application cap