Apply: 2017 Tobacco-Free College Program for Community Colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions

Dear Colleagues,

Please see below for a grant opportunity from Truth Initiative.

In the fight to curb tobacco use in the U.S., college campuses have emerged as a critical battleground.

That’s because virtually all smokers—99 percent—start smoking before turning 26 years old. Community colleges and minority-serving academic institutions are especially important because they tend to serve students who are at greater risk for tobacco use, including low-income and first-generation students.

Over the past two years, Truth Initiative® has awarded funding to 135 historically black colleges and universities and community colleges to advocate for, adopt and implement a 100 percent smoke- or tobacco-free policy. These institutions have joined the growing movement of smoke-free colleges, which multiplied in number from 446 in 2010 to over 1,900 in 2017.

 To keep the momentum going, Truth Initiative is launching its new Tobacco-Free College Program, which offers 17-month grants of up to $20,000 to community colleges and minority-serving institutions to adopt a 100 percent tobacco-free college policy. Grantees receive guidance through webinars, learning communities and one-on-one consultations throughout the grant period.

Here’s how to apply:

• Download and read the grant guidelines and application information, including timeline and budget samples.
• Register for one of two informational webinars on Aug. 16 and Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. ET. Participation is optional.
• Apply using our online application.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017.

Learn more about the disproportionate toll tobacco takes on certain populations, including people in low-income communities, and racial and ethnic minorities.