The Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Substance Use Programs has designated the United Way of Northwest Vermont (UWNWVT) as the Lead Prevention Organization (LPO) for Region 1, which includes the Barre, Burlington, and St. Albans Health Districts. UWNWVT is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for one-year subgrants to support community-based substance misuse prevention activities for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The total amount available for subgranting is $651,000, and awarded funds must be used within the designated grant period.

The primary objective of this funding is to delay initiation of substance use, prevent the onset of substance misuse, and promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing across all age groups and communities. The funds will support a portfolio of subgrants that collectively aim to sustain existing prevention efforts, expand capacity, and address regional service gaps. Eligible applicants must operate in the target health districts and may include nonprofit organizations, school districts, social service agencies, regional planning commissions, municipalities, Native American Tribes recognized by the State of Vermont, and colleges or universities. Individual applicants are not eligible. Collaborative proposals are encouraged, though one organization must serve as the lead.

Funding priority will be given to programs that serve youth, young adults, or older adults; address the needs of priority populations such as BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, refugees, and others; and demonstrate impact across levels of the Vermont Prevention Model (policy/systems, community, organizational, and relational levels). Programs must be evidence-based or grounded in promising practices and follow the Strategic Prevention Framework. They should reduce risk factors or increase protective factors related to substance misuse.

Applicants may request between $10,000 and $50,000, rounded to the nearest $1,000. Funds will be reimbursed quarterly. Required training includes a Subrecipient Kick-Off Meeting, Prevention 101 Training, and Mandated Reporter Training (if serving vulnerable populations). A complete application must include narrative responses, a logic model, budget (including justification and allowance for up to 15% indirect costs), a risk assessment, and affirmation of background check and mandated reporting compliance.

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on April 11, 2025, through the United Way grant portal. An applicant Q&A session will be held on March 28, 2025. Award announcements are expected the week of May 23, 2025. Projects must be completed and funds fully expended by June 30, 2026. For portal access or technical assistance, applicants can contact Megan Bridges at megan@unitedwaynwvt.org.