Students Against Destructive Decisions Peer-to-Peer Mini-Grant FY26

Department of Health announces Notice of Funding Availability through mini-grants for Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Youth-Serving Organizations to Promote Peer-to-Peer Substance Use Prevention Education

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking applications for a peer-to-peer grant to provide support for youth substance misuse prevention projects and activities.

The goal of this initiative in Anne Arundel County is to:

  • Create, equip and sustain a network of student-run Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapters focused on peer-to-peer education and community building.
  • Foster a sense of belonging and community among youth, regardless of culture, creed or credentials.
  • Promote resilience, leadership and advocacy skills so that young people make positive life decisions.

The peer-to-peer education strategy aims to use youth peers to train and influence their friends on the adoption of healthy behaviors. This strategy will target our most vulnerable youth, who will be trained by peers with similar life experiences, to reduce health disparities among county youth.

Applicants that meet the eligibility criteria can submit an invoice to receive a one-time payment of $499. Mini grants will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.There is $7,000 in funding available for the SADD Mini-Grant opportunity, divided into 14 possible SADD mini-grants in the amount of $499.00 each.

Download the Mini-Grant Application

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Be a SADD Chapter or Youth-Serving Organization.
  2. Have a group of youth ages 11-18 who can take the “Train the Trainer” Sessions and also train their peers.

Mini-Grant Requirements: 

  1. Have a group of 6 youths take the “Train-the-Trainer” Session.
  2. Once the sessions have been completed, have the youth train their peers.
    • Must follow the guidelines provided in the activity report.

Contact STEPS@aacounty.org: 

  • To determine whether funds are available and schedule a Train the Trainer Session to get started.
  • Once mini-grant requirements are completed, submit the activity report, invoice and W-9 paperwork to receive funding.