Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act Grants

The Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act Grants program, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, represents a federally funded initiative designed to mitigate and prevent underage alcohol consumption. These grants specifically focus on youth and young adults aged 12 to 20, with a primary objective of reducing underage drinking in communities across the United States through community-based coalition efforts. The STOP Act Grants are authorized under Section 519B of the Public Health Service Act and are strategically targeted to build on the foundation established by Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grantees, thereby sustaining and enhancing their prevention work. The program supports public and private nonprofit organizations that have previously received or are currently receiving funding under the DFC Act of 1997. This eligibility requirement ensures that awarded entities possess a demonstrated commitment to substance abuse prevention and an established infrastructure to carry out comprehensive, evidence-based strategies. Eligible applicants must be domestic entities operating as nonprofit or public institutions, reinforcing the program’s goal of community-level impact through capable and experienced coalitions. The STOP Act Grants aim to address underage drinking through various community-driven prevention strategies. These may include educational outreach, public awareness campaigns, policy development, community mobilization, and evidence-based interventions tailored to local demographics. Although the forecast does not specify precise allowable expenses, the funding is aligned with the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s broader mission of promoting effective community-based prevention initiatives. The program is expected to award approximately 32 grants with a total available funding pool of $1.9 million, though the specific award ceiling and floor amounts have not been disclosed in the forecasted opportunity. There is no matching or cost-sharing requirement for this funding opportunity, lowering the barrier to entry for eligible coalitions. This feature enables a broader range of community-based organizations to apply without the need to secure additional funds. The STOP Act program prioritizes equitable access and local engagement, ensuring that resources reach communities with the most pressing needs and the capacity to enact meaningful change. As of the forecast date (March 20, 2026), the opportunity is not yet accepting applications. The estimated post date for the full funding opportunity announcement is April 15, 2026, at which point more detailed information regarding submission requirements, allowable costs, and evaluation criteria is expected to be released. There are no current indications of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Application deadlines, award notification dates, and project start dates remain unspecified in the forecast. Applicants seeking additional information may contact Jerry Campbell at 240-276-0117 or by email at [email protected]. While no official PDF guidelines or application documents are currently linked in the forecast, prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and the SAMHSA website for updates following the estimated post date. Given its forecasted status and lack of finalized dates, this program falls under the early engagement stage, allowing interested parties to begin preparing by reviewing their eligibility and aligning their project concepts with STOP Act objectives.