This guide outlines how to apply for support from the Montgomery County Drug & Alcohol
Community Prevention Program’s Keep It Safe Mini-Grants program. Included is information for
Montgomery County organizations and community groups regarding requirements and
expectations for the mini-grants.

What is the Montgomery County Drug & Alcohol Community Prevention Program?
The Montgomery County Drug & Alcohol Community Prevention Program is an initiative of the
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Drug & Alcohol. The
project is coordinated through Family Services of Montgomery County.
This initiative provides mini-grants to community organizations for youth substance use
prevention and positive mental health events/projects. A maximum amount of $5,000.00 (some
limitations apply; see Step 5 of the application process for more information) can be awarded to
implement events/programs focused on primary prevention, specifically designed to prevent
first use, and/or the promotion of positive mental health.
This initiative aims to support a county-wide campaign called Keep It Safe by including a strong
emphasis on promoting positive mental health among youth and/or youth substance use
prevention.

Eligible applicants include:
Private and public schools

• PTAs/PTOs
• Houses of worship
• Police departments
• Recreation/athletic leagues
• Non-profit organizations*
• Other organizations/community groups

*Please note that non-profit or community group applicants must provide a W9 along with their
application.
**The mini-grant event/program must take place in Montgomery County, PA.
***Agencies currently under contract with the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol for
prevention services are not eligible to apply.
Eligible event(s)/program(s) include, but are not limited to:
Feel free to be creative and plan an event/program that fits your community’s needs!

• Guest Speakers: Invite qualified experts to educate staff, students, community
• members, etc.
• Stress Management Workshops: Provide tools and techniques to cope with stress in a
• healthy way.
• Mindfulness Meditation Sessions: Guided meditation sessions to enhance awareness and reduce stress.
• Yoga Classes: Physical activity combined with mindfulness to improve overall well-being.
• Art Therapy Workshops: Expressing emotions through creative outlets to foster emotional well-being.
• Fitness Classes: Regular physical activity has proven benefits for mental health.
• Family Night: Opportunities for family bonding and discussion/education about mental health and substance use.
• Evidence-Based Programs (EBP) and Services
• EBP Training
• Strategies for Environmental Change such as social norms/marketing campaigns, etc.
• Community Forums/Town Hall Meetings
• Pre- and Post-Prom Events such as DUI presentations, activities, presentations for caregivers, etc.
• Other events and activities that promote youth substance use prevention and/or promote positive mental health

How to Apply for a Keep It Safe Mini-Grant

Step 1: Complete the Application
Start by completing the Montgomery County Community Prevention Project’s Keep It Safe
Mini-Grant online application. Applications will open on September 30th and will close on April
15th. Events/programs must occur before June 1, 2025.
Click the following link to apply: Mini-Grant Application

Step 2: Application Review
The Montgomery County Office of Drug and Alcohol, the Drug & Alcohol Community Prevention
Team at Family Services, and their review team will meet to review your submitted application.
Awards will be made on a rolling basis.
* If revisions are needed, the team will contact you.

Step 3: Approval
Once your application has been reviewed, the Drug & Alcohol Community Prevention Team at
Family Services will contact you to inform you of your approval status.
If approved, participants agree to the following conditions:
Participants will share the final date(s) of their event(s)/programs(s) with Family
Services.
Participants will post their event/program photo(s) on social media and tag both Family
Services and the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention:
Family Services: @fsmontco
Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention: @montcoallianceforprevention
Participants will complete the data collection survey within one (1) week of the
event/program date.
The Keep It Safe Mini-Grant Data Collection Form aims to gather information on
the demographic representation of individuals served during the funded
event/program. Please review the questions before your event/program in order
to report the most accurate data possible. Click the following link to view the
questions: Data Collection Form

• All promotional materials or materials distributed must include the following statement:
• “Funded by the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of
• Drug & Alcohol.”

• Participants will email a copy of all event/program materials to hweaver@fsmontco.org.
• Utilization of the Keep It Safe logo is encouraged.

An electronic file of the logo will be sent with the approval package.

Step 4: Project Follow Up
If approved, you will be required to complete a Keep It Safe Mini-Grant Data Collection Form. You
will be sent the appropriate form when your grant application is approved.
Important Notes:
1. Keep It Safe Mini-Grant Data Collection Forms are due one (1) week after each
grant-funded event/program.
2. Late reporting will result in the suspension of funds until the reporting requirement is
satisfied.
Step 5: PaymentFamily Services is able to issue payment one of two ways:
1. You can purchase the necessary supplies for your event/program and then invoice
Family Services for the dollar amount designated in your grant. Receipts must be
included with the invoice and all documentation must be submitted to Family Services
2. within one (1) week of completion of the project.
3. Family Services can consult with you prior to your event/program and send a check once
your event/program has been completed.
Mini-grant funds can only be used for the following expenses:

• Evidence-based program curriculum or materials
• Food for the day of the event (limited to a maximum of $500.00)
• Materials specific to the event, activity, or program (game supplies, display holders, etc.)
• Promotional items for environmental campaigns (Red Ribbon Week, Blunt Truth, etc.)
• Speakers, presenters, and/or trainers (if approved)
• Promotional items that include “Keep It Safe” prevention messaging
• Pamphlets about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) prevention/mental health
• Alternative activities (maximum of $500.00 per activity)
• Pre- or post-prom events (maximum of $1,000.00)
• Printing of prevention resources
• Rental of the building or space where the event will be held

Mini-grant funds cannot be used for the following expenses:

• Rental of transportation
• Other transportation expenses
• Incentives or giveaways (gift cards, prizes, etc.)
• Personnel costs (including overtime)
• Anything promoting alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use (beer koozies/huggies, wine glasses, etc.) or simulating ATOD impairment (goggles, etc.)
• Business cards
• Flyers or marketing materials for the event/program or items with an unapproved slogan or logo
• Items not directly related to the proposed event/program
• Single events/programs that are not part of a larger community drug prevention initiative
• Events/programs that are held outside of Montgomery County
• Scare tactics or other activities/presentations documented as ineffective
• Unexpended Funds

Any anticipated, unexpended funds must be reported to Hallie Weaver at
hweaver@fsmontco.org as soon as they become known, in order for remaining funds to be
awarded to other projects.

Important Notes
1. Funds cannot be used for event(s)/program(s) that charge participants an entry fee or
for fundraising events.
2. Funds must be used and the funded project completed by June 1, 2025.

Contact Information
All questions or requests for event/program material should be directed to:
Hallie Weaver
D&A Community Prevention Coordinator
Family Services of Montgomery County
3125 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, PA 19403
610-630-2111 ext. 226
hweaver@fsmontco.org