New Jersey Youth Tobacco Prevention Program

The New Jersey Youth Tobacco Prevention Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the New Jersey Department of Health through its Office of Tobacco Control and Prevention. The program is designed to address the ongoing public health challenge of youth tobacco and nicotine use across the state. With tobacco-related illnesses continuing to impact thousands of residents annually, the department has prioritized prevention strategies targeting individuals under the age of 21. This funding opportunity reflects a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to reducing youth exposure to tobacco products and related marketing influences. The primary purpose of the program is to implement coordinated tobacco prevention strategies focused on youth engagement, school policy development, and point-of-sale retail interventions. Applicants are required to carry out three integrated components: youth engagement initiatives, enhancement of tobacco-free school policies, and retail compliance strategies. Youth engagement activities include peer-led education, leadership development, and awareness campaigns designed to counteract tobacco industry messaging. School-based efforts focus on strengthening policies that prohibit tobacco use while promoting supportive, non-punitive responses. Retail strategies emphasize compliance monitoring, merchant education, and data collection to reduce youth exposure to tobacco marketing. The total funding available for this program is up to 1000000 dollars, with one award anticipated. The initial funding period spans from September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with the opportunity extending up to five years depending on continued funding availability. Funds are distributed on a cost reimbursement basis and must primarily support programmatic activities, with at least sixty percent allocated toward direct program implementation. Certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on using funds for construction, research, vehicle purchases, or out-of-state travel. Eligible applicants include municipal and county governments, local health departments, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, universities, and nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status. Applicants must demonstrate experience in tobacco prevention and must operate within or serve priority counties in New Jersey. Additional requirements include submission of tax clearance documentation and compliance with state charitable registration rules. The program emphasizes partnerships with schools, community organizations, and public health entities to ensure broad and effective implementation. Applications must be submitted electronically through the New Jersey Department of Health System for Administering Grants Electronically platform. The process includes submission of a letter of intent, followed by a detailed application outlining needs assessments, program objectives, implementation strategies, evaluation plans, and sustainability approaches. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation such as organizational charts, staff resumes, and budget details. Proposals are evaluated through a multi-phase review process assessing completeness, responsiveness, and alignment with program goals. Key dates for the funding cycle include the release of the request for applications in June 2026, a required letter of intent due July 10, 2026, and a final application deadline of July 27, 2026. Applicants are expected to be notified of funding decisions by August 17, 2026, with program implementation beginning September 1, 2026. While the program is structured as a multi-year initiative, continued funding is contingent upon annual appropriations and satisfactory performance. For additional information, applicants may contact the program representative at the New Jersey Department of Health. The program places strong emphasis on measurable outcomes, including reductions in youth tobacco use, increased adoption of tobacco-free policies, and improved compliance among tobacco retailers. Overall, this initiative represents a strategic investment in public health through prevention, education, and policy enforcement.

Align proposal with three required components; use data to justify target areas; demonstrate strong partnerships; include clear evaluation metrics