DFC Grant

DFC Grant Extension Application Due
Tigard Turns the Tide is funded in large part by a Federal Drug Free Communities grant. This funding has provided the programs and prevention efforts that have brought about the successes of the past five years. The application for another five-year extension of this grant is extensive and due this spring. To qualify, all awardees must have at least a six-month history of working together on youth substance use reduction initiatives, have representation from 12 required sectors of the community, develop a long-term plan to reduce youth substance use, and participate in the National Evaluation of the DFC program. Coalition Program Director Connie Ramaekers will be preparing the application. Community partners and Coalition members will be asked to sign a simple membership form which will be included with the grant extension application. Because of the deep budget cuts which have affected many Federal programs, the application process to receive DFC funding is more competitive this year than in past years.

The Drug Free Communities Program
The Drug Free Communities (DFC) program is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The DFC program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate youth and adult participation at the community level in local youth drug prevention efforts, including prescription drug diversion and prevention initiatives, as well as underage drinking prevention programs. Data show that communities receiving DFC funding have generally seen significant reductions in the use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana among middle and high school students. The DFC program was created by the Drug Free Communities Act of 1997, and was reauthorized by Congress in 2001 and 2006.  Since 1998, ONDCP has awarded nearly 2,000 Drug Free Communities grants to local communities in all 50 states.