Grants available to support underage substance abuse prevention programs.

Applications are closed

The 2027 application period will open on Wednesday, April 1, and applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026.

Fund Description

The Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy provides ongoing funding approved by Missoula County voters to support prevention programs that help youth and families reduce the negative impacts of substance abuse. No matching funds are required.

Applicants must provide underage substance abuse prevention services in Missoula County in one or more of the following ways:

• Maintain a coalition that coordinates substance abuse prevention efforts;
• Provide community education about the risks and costs of abusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs;
• Offer supervised non-school hour activities that give young people alternatives to drug use and opportunities for positive youth development; or
• Provide early intervention to help youth and families address alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems.

Beginning in 2026, the voter-approved mill levy transitioned to a dollar-based mill levy in accordance with Montana state law. Resolution number: 2025-078

Eligible Applicants

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Governmental agencies

Total Amount Available

In 2026, $384,539 was awarded to 8 projects. The total amount available in the Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy may be up to $384,539 plus the annual rate of inflation.

Program Period

This runs with the county fiscal year, July 1 of the current year to June 30 of the following year.

Tentative Timeline

• May and June: Applications will be read, evaluated, and scored by a citizen review committee.
• June or July: County staff will take recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for possible inclusion in the Missoula County fiscal year budget.
• June or July: If recommended for funding, applicants are tentatively notified of an award.
• September: Budget adoption occurs, after which contracts are executed if funding is available. The contract period is retroactive to July 1.

Interested in Applying?

Read the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) below to learn about eligible project costs, reporting requirements, and more! The current year documents below will be updated prior to the launch of the next application cycle.

Preview the application and apply

Current Awardees Include:

• All Nations Health Center
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Boys and Girls Club
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Missoula
• EmpowerMT
• Friends of the Children
• Missoula Public Health
• Mountain Home Montana