• The Florida Department of Health awards grants to groups educating youth on the health risks associated with tobacco use.no drugs image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Florida researchers, educators and community organizers can apply for numerous grants that promote drug-free environments and lifestyles in children and youth. The funding for most of these grants comes from national organizations or federal agencies, which award grants for statewide or countywide programs. However, some grants are designed for school-specific drug-free programs. The Florida Department of Education is a resource for individuals or groups interested in applying for funding for anti-drug programs.
  
  

National Institute on Drug Abuse

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a nationwide organization providing general education and financial support for researchers whose work focuses on combating substance abuse in children and teens. Florida-based researchers and research organizations are eligible for these grants, although competition occurs on a national level. Grants are awarded for research and training initiatives. Grant amounts vary and can roughly be categorized as those that support innovative or more traditional drug research.
  
  

Office of Safe Schools

• The Florida Department of Education supports the national Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program, which combines education with practical application to encourage children and youth to avoid alcohol and drugs and grow up in safe environments. Florida administers grants from the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program through the Florida Office of Drug Control. Organizations that focus on drug-free activities at the state, regional or school level get grants of varying amounts.
  
  

Tobacco Free Florida

• At the state level, the Department of Health, working in conjunction with schools, administrators, researchers and government officials, has awarded a multi-level grant that targets combating drug and tobacco in children and teens. Grant funds have been used to create educational anti-smoking literature and organize workshops to discourage teens from using tobacco products. In addition to research and educational materials, grant money goes to developing in-school programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, physical activity and zero-tolerance drug-free environments for at-risk youth.