The Communities That Care (CTC) Minnesota – Youth Substance Use Prevention Grants is a funding opportunity provided by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to support local communities in preventing cannabis and other substance use among Minnesota youth. This initiative focuses on implementing the Communities That Care (CTC) prevention system, a proven, community-based framework designed to reduce youth health and behavioral issues by addressing local risk and protective factors.

The CTC program operates through a five-phase process that guides communities in building high-functioning prevention coalitions, analyzing community-specific youth risk data, and developing and implementing action plans aimed at reducing youth substance use. This model has been successful in addressing youth substance use while also influencing other social and health-related areas, such as mental health, academic achievement, and violence prevention.

The grant program will provide funding to up to 12 communities that have the capacity to lead local coalitions, implement prevention strategies, and evaluate measurable outcomes. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their ability to coordinate multi-sector partnerships, conduct data-driven assessments, and implement sustainable community-wide strategies that strengthen protective factors while reducing substance use risk factors.

Applications must be submitted by April 16, 2025, and selected projects will receive funding starting June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2030. The Minnesota Department of Health will hold an informational meeting on March 25, 2025, to help prospective applicants prepare their proposals. A letter of intent is due by March 28, 2025, and all RFP-related questions must be submitted by April 10, 2025. Final funding decisions will be announced by April 25, 2025.

To assist applicants, MDH has provided an email contact (health.super.mdh@state.mn.us) for questions related to the RFP. Responses to submitted questions will be posted within three business days on the official RFP Questions and Answers page.