Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Grant Program

Short title: SPF-PFS

What is the Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Program?

The SPF-PFS grant program is a foundational investment in substance use prevention in the U.S.

SPF-PFS focuses on: preventing substance use initiation and reducing the progression of substance use (and related problems) — by supporting the development and implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based prevention strategies — while also strengthening prevention capacity and infrastructure at the community and state levels.

SPF-PFS supports: a comprehensive prevention strategy, addressing locally identified priorities, using a data-driven process, enhancing protective factors, reducing risk factors, and building capacity to implement prevention strategies.

Awardees use the Strategic Prevention Framework (PDF | 3.3 MB) (also available in Spanish) to guide their prevention planning efforts. Studies show that adherence to the principles in the Framework increases the likelihood that prevention efforts will focus on the substance use problems impacting the community, produce anticipated outcomes, reduce harmful behaviors, and keep communities healthier and safer.

Who does SPF-PFS serve?

High-risk underserved communities and at-risk sub-populations identified in National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Who is eligible to apply for SPF-PFS grants?

• States, U.S. territories, Pacific Jurisdictions, and the District of Columbia
• Communities, local governments, universities, colleges, tribes, and tribal organizations

Program Highlights

As of 2023, SPF-PFS provides two distinct funding opportunities (one for states, and one for communities) ― to better address the needs and leverage the unique strengths of each.

From 2020 to 2023, SPF-PFS grantees implemented evidence-based programs and practices ― which served close to 40 million people through individual- and group-based activities (such as parenting education and school-based interventions) and reached even more people through population-based activities (such as social norming campaigns; social media; and strengthened enforcement of existing laws on access to alcohol, tobacco, and other age-restricted substances). The evidence-based interventions implemented by grantees include programs listed in registries of “what works” in prevention (such as LifeSkills Training, Communities That Care, and Guiding Good Choices).

These figures are based on grantee-reported data from activities generated in accordance with funding requirements for SPF-PFS. Individuals might have been reached by more than one intervention, and therefore might be counted multiple times.

A map of the United States and territories with the title, “Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Grant Program.” A detailed description of the image is available (PDF | 126 KB)

How can I apply?

• Read FY 2024 notice of funding opportunity for Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success for States for states, territories, Pacific Jurisdictions, and the District of Columbia.
• Read FY 2024 notice of funding opportunity for Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success for Communities, Local Governments, Universities, Colleges, and Tribes/Tribal Organizations.

Want to know when these funding opportunities will be released in 2025? View the Fiscal Year 2025 Funding Opportunity Forecast and Subscribe to Grant Funding Announcement Emails.

For additional details about funding, current grantees, and their program visit the SAMHSA Grants Dashboard.

Related Resources

• A Guide to SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (PDF | 3.3 MB) (also in Spanish (PDF | 4.9 MB))
• Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network
• Prevention Core Competencies
• Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC)
• Focus on Prevention
• Selecting Best-fit Programs and Practices (PDF | 5.5 MB)
• Community Engagement
• Prevention Month (observance in October, with year-round resources)
• "Talk. They Hear You."® (access in Spanish)
• Communities Talk to Prevent Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse
• Report to Congress on the Prevention and Reduction of Underage Drinking – including 51 State Reports
• SAMHSA Store
• Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center
• Behavioral Health Equity
• CSAP GPRA Modernization Act Data Collection Tools

Other Resources

• Registry of Proven Interventions
• Prevention Intervention Resource Center (ADAPT/HIDTA)
• Community Health Assessments & Health Improvement Plans | CDC
• CADCA
• National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD)