General Departmental Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (GDSRAE)

The General Departmental Sexual Risk Avoidance Education program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, specifically within the Administration on Children, Youth and Families and the Family and Youth Services Bureau. This federal initiative is designed to support projects that address youth development and public health outcomes through educational programming focused on sexual risk avoidance. The program reflects a broader federal priority to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections while promoting positive youth development and long-term well-being. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the implementation of sexual risk avoidance education programs that encourage participants to voluntarily refrain from non-marital sexual activity. These programs are intended to serve populations located in areas with high rates of teen births or individuals considered at elevated risk for contracting sexually transmitted infections. The initiative emphasizes equipping youth with knowledge and decision-making skills that contribute to healthier life choices and reduced engagement in risky behaviors. Funded projects are expected to deliver medically accurate and evidence-based educational content. All instructional materials must be supported by peer-reviewed research or validated by credible educational, scientific, governmental, or health organizations. In addition to abstinence-focused education, programming must incorporate broader developmental themes such as self-regulation, goal setting, healthy relationship development, and resistance to coercion, substance abuse, and other harmful behaviors. These requirements ensure that funded programs provide comprehensive support for youth decision-making and life planning. The funding structure includes an estimated total program allocation exceeding nineteen million dollars, with individual awards ranging between three hundred thousand and four hundred fifty thousand dollars. Approximately forty-three awards are expected to be distributed. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers barriers to entry for eligible organizations and supports broader participation across diverse entity types. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of organizational types such as state and local governments, nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities, educational institutions, school districts, and for-profit entities including small businesses. However, individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded. Faith-based and community-based organizations that meet eligibility requirements are permitted to apply, reinforcing inclusivity within the program framework. The application process is expected to be conducted electronically, with submissions required by late July of the funding year. The opportunity is currently forecasted, with an anticipated posting date in late June and an application deadline at the end of July. Awards are expected to be announced in mid-September, with project activities beginning by the end of that month. Applicants must prepare comprehensive program plans aligned with the stated objectives and requirements, though specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice. Program contacts are available via email and phone through the Family and Youth Services Bureau for additional guidance and clarification.

Ensure all materials are medically accurate and evidence-based with peer-reviewed support; align programming with youth risk prevention goals and clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes