Deadline: 27-Oct-2025
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at strengthening youth substance use prevention efforts across schools and communities in the United States.
With a total budget of $10 million, this initiative will support nonprofit organizations in developing and delivering prevention programs in partnership with schools, law enforcement, and local coalitions.
The program focuses on implementing comprehensive strategies to address youth substance use from preschool through grade 12. Funded activities may include education, early intervention, mentoring, and referral to treatment services. In addition, the program emphasizes the importance of family engagement as a tool to prevent or address substance use issues, while also offering training to school staff, parents, community members, and law enforcement. Another innovative component is the creation of “safe zones of passage” to protect students and ensure their access to supportive environments.
Priority will be given to projects that align with OJP’s broader public safety goals. These include supporting law enforcement operations, combating violent crime, providing services to American citizens, protecting children, and supporting victims of trafficking and sexual assault. Applicants are expected to outline how their proposed projects contribute to one or more of these objectives, ensuring that prevention efforts are closely tied to community safety and resilience.
Thirteen awards are expected to be granted, with an anticipated award ceiling of up to $750,000 per project. The performance period for funded projects will begin on October 1, 2025, and span 36 months, giving grantees the opportunity to build sustained and impactful programs.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that are appropriate for their capacity and reflective of their project scope. By investing in evidence-based strategies and fostering collaboration among schools, families, and communities, this funding opportunity seeks to reduce youth substance use and promote safer, healthier environments for American children and adolescents.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.