Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program - New (Year 1 Recompete)

The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program was established under the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 to combat youth substance use through enhanced collaboration among community-based coalitions and public/private sector stakeholders. The program is administered through a partnership between the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). This forecasted opportunity, titled "Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program - New (Year 1 Recompete)," invites applications for Fiscal Year 2026 funding to support new coalitions or coalitions that have not previously received DFC funding. The central purpose of the DFC Support Program is twofold: to foster effective, sustainable collaboration among a broad spectrum of community groups, and to prevent and reduce substance use among youth. Over time, this initiative is expected to also reduce adult substance use by addressing root causes at the community level. The DFC model emphasizes community-specific strategies that respond to local needs, encouraging coalitions to coordinate efforts across sectors such as education, law enforcement, healthcare, and faith-based organizations. Eligible applicants must be community-based coalitions operating in the United States or U.S. territories that have not previously received DFC grant funding. These applicants may be 501(c) nonprofit organizations or entities associated with legally recognized domestic nonprofit institutions. Examples include city and county governments, tribal entities (both federally and non-federally recognized), public and private higher education institutions, and other relevant nonprofit or voluntary groups. A critical requirement is that applicants must demonstrate they represent a coalition—defined as a formal, cooperative arrangement among multiple community sectors committed to a shared goal of reducing youth substance use. The estimated total funding for this opportunity is $50 million, with approximately 80 awards expected. Each award may be up to $125,000. This grant requires a cost-sharing or matching component, although the specific match amount must be confirmed in the final Notice of Funding Opportunity. Funds are intended to be used to strengthen coalition infrastructure, implement community prevention strategies, and enhance sustainability, but not for direct service provision or supplanting existing funding streams. The submission window is estimated to open on December 15, 2025, with applications due by January 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Award notifications are expected by June 15, 2026, with projects commencing July 1, 2026. This grant opportunity is recurring on an annual basis, with the next anticipated cycle expected to open in December 2026. Recipients will be evaluated on their ability to mobilize diverse community sectors, implement data-driven strategies, and measure progress over time. Additional information or technical questions can be directed to Christi Jones at DFC_NOFO@cdc.gov. Due to its recurring nature and critical mission to prevent youth substance use, this program remains a vital part of the federal strategy to promote healthier, safer communities across the nation. Coalitions seeking to make a measurable impact on youth drug prevention are strongly encouraged to prepare for this funding opportunity.