Community Change to Prevent Commercial Tobacco Use among Young People
Community Change to Prevent Commercial Tobacco Use among Young People supports organizations engaging Minnesota youth in community policy and systems changes to prevent tobacco use and reduce disparities.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Health
Due Dates: October 21, 2026 (Informational presentation) | October 23, 2026, 4 p.m. Central (Optional Notice of Intent) | October 30, 2026, 4 p.m. Central (Questions) | November 3, 2026 (Final Q&A posting) | November 13, 2026, 4 p.m. Central (Application) | January 15, 2027 (Anticipated notification) | March 1, 2027 (Anticipated start)
Funding Amounts: Estimated $125,000–$175,000 annually per award for two years, with up to three additional years possible; no match required
Summary: Supports youth- and young adult-led community policy, systems, and environmental change to prevent and reduce commercial tobacco use in Minnesota.
Key Information: Applicants must support meaningful youth leadership and budget for a project coordinator of at least 0.50 FTE.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) funds organizations that engage and empower youth and young adults to lead commercial tobacco prevention in their communities. The program bridges leadership and advocacy development with policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change reflecting local priorities. Its intended outcome is youth-informed community change, not participation or education alone. Local leaders will connect with a statewide network supporting learning, storytelling, communications, and collective action.
The work aims to prevent initiation, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol, promote quitting and treatment, and reduce commercial tobacco-related disparities. Possible strategies include retail policy changes, tobacco-free spaces, culturally grounded prevention, supportive school policies, cessation referrals, and youth participation in community decision-making. Commercial tobacco is distinct from traditional or sacred tobacco used by American Indian communities.
