Advocacy Grants Program: Advancing Drug Policy Through Partnership & Community Engagement
Attendees of “NOT ONE STEP BACK," a panel discussion led by our partners during our annual Policy Change Partners Gathering.
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) offers two grants programs. Promoting Policy Change is an annual cycle that supports proven drug policy reform organizations. Special Opportunities is a revolving fund that supports cutting-edge drug policy reform opportunities that arise throughout the year.
We are currently interested in efforts that prioritize:
Eliminating or reducing criminal penalties for drug possession, and reducing the role of the criminal justice system as a response to drug use and sales.
Promoting a health-based approach to drug use through innovative harm reduction projects.
Advancing equitable marijuana policy reform, including: decriminalization, medical use, legalization for adult personal use, record sealing and expungement.
Developing public education initiatives directed at a wide range of audience that promote responsible, reparative and just solutions to ending the drug war.
Promoting leadership and expertise of those directly impacted by the drug war, including individuals associated with drugs and drug usage, individuals incarcerated for association with drugs, and communities of color.
Organizing groups most directly affected by the drug war – including formerly incarcerated persons; communities of color; women, trans, and gender–nonconforming individuals; immigrant communities; and under-resourced communities.
Apply for a Grant
Promoting Policy Change
Through Promoting Policy Change we seek to build beneficial, collaborative relationships between DPA and our funded partners. Through the partnership we support capacity-building, information sharing, and technical assistance. We encourage collaboration between partners, host an annual partners gathering, and bring partners to the biennial International Drug Policy Reform Conference. The annual application cycle begins each spring.
Special Opportunities is a revolving fund that supports cutting-edge drug policy reform projects that arise throughout the year. Grants are made on a monthly basis.
Organizations are eligible to submit one proposal every six months. The cap on grants for this fund is $25,000, with the average grant being $5,000 to $10,000.
The Advocacy Grants Program only accepts grant proposals from 501(c)3 non-profit organizations or organizations with a fiscal sponsor that has a 501(c)3.
The Special Opportunities fund is intended for project-based efforts. General operating support is best sought through Promoting Policy Change.
The Advocacy Grants Program does not support:
International organizations
Individuals
Direct service
Fundraising events
Production of videos or films
Academic, research or journalistic projects
Punitive, abstinence-only treatment programs or advocacy for such programs
The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act would end the federal war on marijuana and right the wrongs of prohibition. Tell Congress to support it.
