Drug Policy Alliance's Advocacy Grants Program Application Deadline Approaching

The Drug Policy Alliance will have approximately $1.2 million to allocate during the 2008 Promoting Policy Change grant cycle. The deadline for applications is Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm EDT. Decisions are generally made around mid-September. Applications are available here.

Through the annual Promoting Policy Change grant cycle DPA seeks to broaden public support for drug policy reform, and will fund strategic and innovative approaches to increase such support. DPA seeks proposals designed to:

• Educate the public and policymakers about the negative consequences of current local, state or national drug policies.
• Promote better awareness and understanding of alternatives to current drug policies.
• Broaden awareness and understanding of the extent to which punitive prohibitionist policies are responsible for most drug-related problems around the country.

The program provides both general operating support and project specific grants. Virtually all grant making is directed to organizations working within the United States, with particular emphasis on state-based activity. Strategic, geographic or thematic collaborations are strongly encouraged. Generally, the cap on grants awarded during the Promoting Policy Change cycle is $50,000.

The Advocacy Grants Program will make grants to organizations and projects that demonstrate a clear ability and commitment to educate the public about the need for drug policy reform. DPA will consider proposals from organizations focusing on one or more of the following:

• Public education campaigns and litigation to raise awareness of the negative consequences of current local, state and national drug policies.
• Organizing and constituency mobilization efforts which raise awareness about the negative consequences of local, state or national drug policies.
• Public education regarding: (1) the failures and consequences of drug polices in the United States and the possible benefits of policy alternatives to criminal prohibition; (2) reduction of the reliance on the criminal justice system by raising awareness of the need for alternatives to incarceration; (3) discrimination in employment, housing, student loans and other benefits against those who use drugs or who have been convicted of drug offenses; and (4) raising awareness of the negative consequences of current drug policies on human rights.
• Disproportionate impact on communities of color and youth.