Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success for States

The Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success for States 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 prevention infrastructure at both the state and community levels. SAMHSA, as a leading federal agency focused on behavioral health, prioritizes programs that prevent substance misuse and promote mental health, and this funding opportunity aligns with its broader strategic priority of reducing substance use disorders and improving population health outcomes across the United States and its territories. The primary purpose of this program is to support states in preventing and reducing the initiation and progression of substance use and related problems. The program emphasizes community-based prevention services that strengthen protective factors, reduce risk factors, and build resilience among populations. It also aims to expand and strengthen the capacity of prevention providers to implement evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies. The program follows the Strategic Prevention Framework model, which includes assessment, capacity building, planning, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring a comprehensive and data-driven approach to prevention. Funding for this opportunity is substantial, with an estimated total of 8000000 dollars available and approximately four awards expected. Each award may provide up to 2000000 dollars per year for a project period of up to five years, resulting in a potential total award ceiling of 10000000 dollars per recipient. Funds are primarily intended for capacity building activities, including technical assistance, workforce development, and strengthening community prevention systems. However, there are strict funding restrictions, including prohibitions on food expenses, harm reduction activities, and certain policy-related initiatives that do not align with federal priorities. Eligibility for this program is limited to Single State Agencies for Substance Use Services across the 50 states, U.S. territories, and associated jurisdictions. Certain states currently receiving funding under prior related funding opportunities are not eligible to apply. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the financial barrier for eligible applicants. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to manage federal funds responsibly and implement large-scale prevention initiatives aligned with SAMHSA’s strategic priorities. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or eRA Commons and includes several required components such as a project abstract, project narrative, and budget narrative, along with supporting attachments like timelines, staffing plans, and data collection instruments. The project narrative is limited to ten pages and must address specific evaluation criteria including population need, implementation approach, organizational capacity, and data collection methods. Applicants must also complete standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A and ensure compliance with all formatting and submission requirements. Applications will be reviewed through a multi-step process that includes initial eligibility screening, merit review by peer reviewers, and final funding decisions based on alignment with agency priorities and available funding. Review criteria emphasize the strength of the proposed approach, clarity of objectives, organizational experience, and the ability to measure outcomes effectively. Risk assessment of the applicant’s financial management history is also conducted prior to award decisions. The application deadline is July 15, 2026, with awards expected to be issued by September 1, 2026, and project start dates anticipated by September 30, 2026. The program is expected to operate on an annual funding cycle, with continuation funding dependent on performance and availability of funds. Key contacts are provided for programmatic, financial, and review-related questions, including dedicated email addresses and phone numbers within SAMHSA offices. Overall, this opportunity represents a significant federal investment in strengthening statewide prevention systems and reducing substance use across diverse communities.

Align proposal strictly with SPF framework; demonstrate data-driven need; ensure strong evaluation plan; clearly define measurable outcomes