The Albany County Legislature, in collaboration with the Albany County Department of Health and the Albany County Executive’s Office, has announced the availability of $150,000 in funding through the Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Education in Schools grant. This initiative seeks to address the ongoing use of tobacco, vaping products, and substances among school-age children and young adults. These issues are linked to addiction, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, lung cancers, impaired brain development, and negative behavioral and social impacts, including disengagement from school and extracurricular activities.

The purpose of the grant is to fund educational programs in public and charter schools, as well as community-based initiatives that focus on preventing substance use and promoting cessation among youth. The programs should also work to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. School settings are a priority for this effort, as they serve as central community hubs where students can access resources and participate in educational activities designed to foster healthier habits.

Individual awards under this program can be up to $20,000 each. Funding is available for initiatives that hire, train, and support educators focused on tobacco and substance use prevention, launch public education campaigns, and create digital awareness campaigns aimed at youth on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat. Eligible applicants include public school districts, charter schools, non-profit organizations, private individuals, community-based organizations, and any entities partnering with schools to deliver workshops, training, or educational resources.

Applications will be accepted starting Friday, February 14, 2025, and the submission window will close at the end of business on Friday, March 14, 2025. All applications should be submitted via email to Elena Cenko, Director of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs, at Elena.Cenko@AlbanyCountyNY.gov. Each application must include an executive summary, a detailed expense breakdown, a benefits statement highlighting the project’s potential impact, a statement of need, and an explanation of how the program integrates into a broader educational curriculum on substance use prevention.

Applications will be reviewed and scored by representatives from the Albany County Legislature, the Albany County Department of Health, and the Albany County Executive’s Office. Final funding decisions will be made by the Albany County Legislature, though submission of an application does not guarantee an award. After receiving notification of award, successful applicants must sign and notarize two copies of the contract, submit a claim form, and provide a certificate of insurance. Recipients will also need to submit receipts related to grant expenditures six months after the award and again at the one-year mark.

Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to Liam McDonald, Operations Coordinator, at Liam.McDonald@AlbanyCountyNY.gov. Preference will be given to first-time applicants, although organizations that have previously received funding may still apply if the proposal expands services beyond what was covered in their initial grant.