2011-2012 Cycle

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) offers two grants programs. The first, Promoting Policy Change (PPC), is dedicated to supporting cutting edge drug policy reform organizations, primarily but not solely those that are working on the local level. Further, through this $750,000 fund we seek to build strong, collaborative relationships between DPA and the grantee organization. To that extent, we regularly engage PPC grantees vis-à-vis monthly conference calls; annual gatherings and at the biennial drug policy reform conference. For the latter two, additional resources are made available. To apply to PPC, we require a letter of intent to initiate the process. Shortly thereafter – within about three weeks – we will notify applicants about whether or not to proceed to the proposal process.

The second program is the $400,000 Special Opportunities Fund. It does not have a two-tier process but is generally more competitive than PPC. It is designed to respond to the quickly developing and generally time-sensitive drug policy reform opportunities that crop up in the United States. Those applying for this fund need only send a description of the project to us, along with a detailed budget and cover sheet.

For both funds, all applicants should be aware that the Drug Policy Alliance Advocacy Grants Program seeks to promote policy change and advance drug policy reform at the local, state, and national levels. While the program supports a range of drug policy reform work, we currently prioritize efforts that offer ground-breaking or far-reaching results in these areas:

1. Removing drug use and access to drug treatment from the criminal justice system.
2. Promoting innovative harm reduction projects similar to those in Canada and parts of Europe.
3. Taking advantage of the current climate of more open debate on drug policy issues to push cutting edge drug policies in the public and media.
4. Giving voice to and empowering those who are most affected by the drug war by funding organizations whose work is focused on populations most marginalized by the drug war; assisting in coalition development; providing media support where possible; offering technical assistance where possible; and various other trainings when and where possible.

The Advocacy Grants Program is steered by two part-time staff and a grants review committee. Following are specific application details for both funds that the Drug Policy Alliance offers.

1. Promoting Policy Change Grant

This $750,000 fund is open only to organizations that have submitted a letter of intent and subsequently been invited to apply. The LOI is due to asha bandele and Cayleigh Shuey (abandele [at] drugpolicy [dot] org and cshuey [at] drugpolicy [dot] org) by midnight eastern on April 29th, 2011. Generally, the cap on grants awarded during the Promoting Policy Change cycle is $50,000, with typical grants ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. Once an organization has been invited to apply, its proposal will go through a rigorous vetting process. Notifications about eligibility to apply will be made on or before May 20th, 2011. Proposals will be due on or before 8 p.m. eastern standard time, on June 20, 2011 with final decisions made by the end of September. In order for a proposal to be properly received, noted and filed, it must be emailed to both asha bandele and Cayleigh Shuey (abandele [at] drugpolicy [dot] org, cshuey [at] drugpolicy [dot] org).

More information and application.

2. Special Opportunities Grant

This $400,000 monthly funding cycle supports projects that respond to or take advantage of strategic public education efforts and campaigns to block drug war initiatives or advance drug policy reform. Preference is given to those projects that are time-sensitive. Grants will be made on an ongoing basis subject to the availability of funds. All organizations are free to submit proposals once in any six month period. Generally, the cap on grants for this fund is $25,000, with the average grant being $10,000 to $15,000. The Advocacy Grants Review Committee will review applicant materials and make final funding recommendations. Proposals are due to the Drug Policy Alliance, New York Office by 8 pm EST on the first business day of the month via email to asha bandele and Cayleigh Shuey at abandele [at] drugpolicy [dot] org and cshuey [at] drugpolicy [dot] org respectively.

More information and application.

Restrictions on Grantmaking

• Modest funds are available through Special Opportunities to support drug policy reform efforts that seek to influence local, state and/or national legislation. Requests for such funding are likely to be highly competitive given the limited amount of funds available. These funds are not available through the Promoting Policy Change fund.
• The Program does not support the production of videos or films.
• The Program does not support the writing and publication of books and other publications but may consider strategic distribution of publications.
• The Program does not support capital expenditures.
• The program is specifically meant for project, rather than general operating, support.
• The Program does not support direct service.
• The Program does not support dissertations, postgraduate work. In limited cases, we support research.
• The Program does not provide support to individuals, and is unlikely to support academic or journalistic projects.
• The Program does not fund any organizations outside of the United States. In very rare exceptions, we will consider proposals from Canada.
• The Program does not support traditional abstinence-only treatment programs or advocacy of same.