URL: https://bwsmithconsulting.com/who-we-serve/prevention-coalitions/
Updated: 2026-11-09

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.

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

In short

We help prevention coalitions get local youth data, meet their funders' evaluation and reporting requirements, and turn results into plans their members can act on. That includes the Youth Voices Count Survey, core measures for Drug Free Communities grants, evaluation plans, and help with the grant itself.

## How we help

- Local youth survey data with the Youth Voices Count Survey
- Core measures and progress report support for Drug Free Communities grants
- Evaluation plans, logic models and measurable objectives
- Statements of need and evaluation sections for grant applications
- Strategic Prevention Framework assessment and planning support
- Clear presentations of results for coalition members and town leaders

## What coalitions usually ask us for

Most coalitions come to us with one of three needs: they need local youth data, they need to meet a funder's evaluation requirements, or they are applying for a grant and need the data and evaluation sections to be strong. Often it is all three.

## Local youth data

State surveys rarely give a town its own results. The [Youth Voices Count Survey](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/youth-voices-count/) gives your community its own picture of substance use, mental health, gambling, gaming and social media among students in grades 6 to 12, along with the protective factors that help.

## Funder requirements

Drug Free Communities grantees report core measures from youth surveys every two years, and SAMHSA grantees often report through SPARS. We plan your survey schedule and measures around those requirements so reporting is not a scramble.

## Turning data into action

Data only helps if your members understand it. We present results to coalitions, school boards and town leaders in plain language and help you connect them to your strategies.

Coalitions we have supported include Drug Free Communities and Strategic Prevention Framework grantees across Connecticut. See our [portfolio](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/portfolio/).

## Frequently asked questions

**We are a small coalition. Is this affordable?**

Many of our clients are small coalitions and Local Prevention Councils. Connecticut coalitions may also qualify for reduced cost youth survey services. Tell us your budget and we will tell you honestly what fits.

**Can you help us apply for a Drug Free Communities grant?**

Yes. We help with the statement of need, objectives and the evaluation plan, using local data where it exists.

**How long does a youth survey cycle take?**

It depends on the school calendar and district approvals. Talk to us early in the school year so the survey fits your reporting deadlines.

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

- [Research Youth Voices Count Survey methodology How the Youth Voices Count Survey is designed, given and reported, and the rules we follow when publishing combined findings across communities. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/research/youth-voices-count-methodology/)
- [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/)
- [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. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/grants/drug-free-communities/)
- [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/)
- [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/)

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