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What is the DFC Program?

The Drug-Free Communities Support Program (DFC) is a Federal grant program funded through the Office of
National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). It provides funding to community-based coalitions to prevent youth
substance use. The philosophy behind the DFC Program is that local drug problems require local soiutions, and
community coalitions are the best vehicie for creating community change.

The DFC program has funded nearly 2,000 coalitions since 1997 and currently mobilizes nearly 9.000 community
volunteers. Today, there are 692 funded coalitions in 49 States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories and
Protectorates.

What Does the DFC Program Fund?

The DFC Program funds community coalitions that address youth substance use. The program requires the use of
comprehensive community-based strategies that focus on effectively planned and implemented environmental
prevention strategies aimed at reducing youth access to and the availability of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

Successful applicants focus their efforts on developing their coalition's infrastructure to support community-
based environmental prevention strategies. The DFC Program does not fund “programs” (i.2., after-schoo!
programs, mentoring services, etc.) or “direct services” {i.2., school-based counselors, treaiment services, etc.)
The DFC Program's success is based on coalitions addressing the local conditions in their communities that
increase the likelihood that youth will use harmful substances. Efforts to change the community (i.e., school-
based policy change, law enforcement efforts, local ordinances, etc.) as a whole are the basis of DFC’s success.

Who Can Apply for DFC Funding?

Any community coalition that meets the program's statutory eligibility requirements may apply for DFC funding.
Coalitions can choose to serve any type of community they choose — whether a community of place (city, town,
village, neighborhood) or community of interest (specific population with specific needs)

The DFC Request for Applications (RFA) is released to the public in mid-January; applications are due in mid-

March. Applicants may request up to $125,000 per year, which must be matched with non-Federal resources i
DFC grants are awarded in five-year cycles, with a maximum of ten years of funding. DFC grantees are chosen
using a peer-review process comprised of current and former DFC grantees.

DFC Statutory Eligibility Requirements
Coalitions must:
Have representation and participation from 12 defined community sectors,
Be at least 6 months old at the time of application;
Have youth substance use prevention as part of its primary mission;
Address multiple drugs (more than 1),
Meet National Cross-Site Evaluation requirements;
Be eligible to receive Federal funding;
Obtain dollar-for-doliar match;
Not request more than $125,000/year;
Not overlap zip codes with a currently funded or applying coalition without showing cooperation; and
Have only one grant at a time.

RSL K AR ARS

| For more information on the DFC Statutory Eligibility Requirements, visit
htto:/Awww.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/information-for-potential-applicants

' Applicants serving Native American/Tribal communities with active Native Americar/Tribal sector representation may use Federal sources
as mateh,



Do DFC Coalitions Make a Difference?

Since 2002, DFC-funded communities have achieved significant reductions in youth alcohol, tobacco, and
marijuana use. Data from the DFC National Evaluation indicate a 16 percent reduction in alcohol use, 27
percent reduction in tobacco use, and 23 percent reduction in marijuana use for middie schoo! youth living in
DFC-funded communities. High school-aged youth have reduced their use of alcoho! by 9 percent, tobacco by
16 percent, and marijuana'by 7 percent in DFC-funded communities.

What Resources are Available to Help Communities Apply for DFC Funding?

The DFC Program has multiple avenues to assist coalitions wishing to apply for funding. Upon the release of the
DFC RFA, information is posted to the DFC website, www.whitehouse. gov/ondep/Drug-Free-Communities-Support-
Program including videos explaining the sections of the RFA, as well as frequently asked questions. Historically, the
DFC Program has provided on-site workshops for potential applicants in at least three locations throughout the
United States (locations are listed in the RFA). These workshops are free and identical to the videos posted on the
DFC website. in addition, the RFA contains contact information on both programmatic and fiscal aspects of
applying for the DFC grant: Applicants may call or email their questions concerning the RFA.

Tips for Applicants }

Go small. Communities that serve 5,000 or 500,000 people will
receive the same funding amounts under the DFC Program.
Communities shouid define natural boundaries that allow for a “The Drug-Free Communities Support
Coalition's service area to be established based upon the program embodies the Obama
demographics of the people living there. Define coalition coverage
by a school district, a neighborhood, or a grouping of city blocks.
Build multiple coalitions within an urban center that address the

Administration's dedication to evidence-
based community prevention efforts that

specific needs of a “community,” as defined by the coalition. protect the health of our young people. As
a comerstone of the President's National

Sector membership and recruitment. Seek out champions in Drug Contro! Strategy, this program

local agencies/organizations that can help you build a coalition provides the funding necessary for

Building multiple coalitions within an urban area (serving specific
communities) can help leaders in local government become more
aware of the movement of the coalitions and sée them as more
capable of being local problem solvers. It will aiso assist in
demonstrating to local leaders the power of iocal problem solving; — ONDGP Director Gil Kerlikowske
thereby increasing the likelihood they wil! want to be involved in
the coalition’s efforts.

communities to identify and respond to
local substance use problems.”

Seek multiple sources of funding. DFC funding will not pay for everything a community needs to solve loca!
youth substance use issues, but it can help bolster community buy-in and support to further leverage additional
resources, DFC is not meant to support “programs” or buy “direct services”: instead, coalitions should see DFC
funding as money to develop the coalition’s infrastructure (Le., paid staff, training and technical assistance,
etc.)

Take advantage of existing infrastructure. Identity neighborhood associations, clubs, or other interest groups
that are already organized to improve neighborhoods or reduce crime in your community of focus. While DFC
only funds youth substance use prevention, it makes sense to avoid starting from scratch when organizing your
community. Take advantage of organizational infrastructure and individual passion when building a DFC-
eligible coalition.

For more information, please contact:

Helen Hernandez, Public Health Advisor Victoria Cummiskey, Public Engagement Specialist
202.395.6665 202.395.6774

hhernandez@ondcp.eop.gov