URL: https://bwsmithconsulting.com/grants/drug-free-communities/
Updated: 2026-11-09

Grant program

# Drug Free Communities grant evaluation

What the Drug Free Communities Support Program funds, the core measures and reporting it requires, and how an evaluator helps coalitions plan, collect and report.

By [Bonnie W. Smith](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/about/#bonnie-smith), MPH, CPH, CPP Reviewed by [Keri Humphries](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/about/#keri-humphries), MA Updated November 9, 2026

In short

The Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program funds community coalitions working to prevent youth substance use, at up to $125,000 per year over a five year period. Coalitions must represent 12 community sectors and report core measures from youth surveys every two years, so local survey data and a clear evaluation plan sit at the center of a strong DFC grant.

## Key takeaways

- New DFC awards are up to $125,000 per 12 month budget period, over a five year period of performance.
- Coalitions need members from each of 12 required community sectors.
- Core measures come from a youth survey and are reported every two years.
- Always check the current notice of funding opportunity, because details change between cycles.

## What DFC funds

The Drug Free Communities Support Program, led by the Office of National Drug Control Policy with the CDC, gives community coalitions money to reduce youth substance use. Coalitions work across sectors, so the program asks for members from 12 parts of the community, such as youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, health care and faith groups.

## What evaluation and reporting look like

DFC coalitions report on their activities and on core measures drawn from youth surveys. The national evaluation uses these measures to track change across funded communities. In practice, that means a coalition needs:

- A youth survey that includes the core measure questions, given on a schedule that matches the reporting years
- A clear plan linking coalition strategies to the outcomes the measures track
- Progress reports completed on time, with data the coalition can explain

## Where an evaluator helps

- **Before you apply:** the statement of need, measurable objectives and an evaluation plan reviewers will trust.
- **During the grant:** planning and running the youth survey, tracking activities and preparing core measure data for reports.
- **For the coalition:** turning results into a short, clear story for members, schools and town leaders.

We have supported Drug Free Communities grantees in Connecticut with grant preparation, evaluation and technical assistance. See our [portfolio](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/portfolio/) for examples.

## Frequently asked questions

**Which survey questions provide the DFC core measures?**

The core measures come from youth survey questions on substance use and attitudes. The Youth Voices Count Survey includes questions that provide them. Ask us for the details for your grant year.

**How often are core measures reported?**

Every two years, through the coalition's progress reports. Plan your youth survey schedule around those reporting years.

**Do we need an outside evaluator for DFC?**

Check the current notice of funding opportunity. Many coalitions work with an outside evaluator to plan measures, run the youth survey and prepare reports, because the coalition coordinator's time is already stretched.

## Sources

- [Drug Free Communities Support Program, New (Year 1) funding opportunity](https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/355753), Grants.gov
- [Drug Free Communities National Evaluation Report 2024](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/media/pdfs/2025/08/DFC-National-Evaluation-Report_2024__FINAL_2025_JUN_508compliant_corr8.4.pdf), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025)
- [Agency information collection notice on DFC progress reports and core measures](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/full_text/html/2026/04/23/2026-07859.html), Federal Register (April 23, 2026)
- [Drug Free Communities program overview](https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/grant-programs/dfc), Office of National Drug Control Policy (archived)

Planning an evaluation, assessment or survey?

Tell us about your program, your community and your deadlines. The first conversation is how we figure out what you actually need.

[Book a call](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/contact/#form)

## Related

- [Who we serve Evaluation and youth surveys for prevention coalitions Youth surveys, core measures, evaluation plans and grant support for prevention coalitions, including Drug Free Communities and SPF grantees. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/who-we-serve/prevention-coalitions/)
- [Free template Free logic model template A free, printable one page logic model template for grant applications and evaluation plans, with a worked example row and instructions for filling it in. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/templates/logic-model-template/)
- [Guide How to build a logic model for a grant A step by step guide to building a logic model for a grant application or evaluation plan, with an example from a youth prevention program and common mistakes. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/guides/how-to-build-a-logic-model/)
- [Case study How Wethersfield Public Schools used survey data to win competitive grants How Wethersfield Public Schools used Youth Voices Count Survey results to show trends in student risk behavior and secure more than $500,000 in competitive grants. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/case-studies/wethersfield-public-schools/)
- [Compare Internal vs external evaluator The pros and cons of using staff to evaluate your program versus hiring an outside evaluator, with questions to help you decide what fits your grant and budget. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/compare/internal-vs-external-evaluator/)
- [Glossary Logic model A logic model is a one page summary of how a program is expected to work, linking resources and activities to the outputs and outcomes it aims to achieve. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/glossary/logic-model/)

Planning an evaluation, assessment or survey?

Tell us about your program, your community and your deadlines. The first conversation is how we figure out what you actually need.

[Book a call](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/contact/#form)Call 860.995.5853