2018 tobacco-free grants for minority-serving institutions, community and women’s colleges

In the fight to curb tobacco use in the U.S., college campuses have emerged as a critical battleground.

Virtually all smokers — 99 percent — start smoking before turning 26 years old. That’s why over the past three years, Truth Initiative® has awarded funding to 152 minority-serving academic institutions and community colleges to advocate for, adopt and implement a 100 percent smoke- or tobacco-free policy. These institutions have joined the growing number of smoke-free colleges, which multiplied from 446 in 2010 to at least 2,164 in 2018.

To keep the momentum going, Truth Initiative is accepting applications for its Tobacco-Free College Program, which now offers grants of up to $20,000 to women’s colleges, minority-serving academic institutions and community colleges to adopt a 100 percent tobacco-free college policy.

Minority-serving institutions and community colleges tend to serve students who are at greater risk for tobacco use, including low-income, racial/ethnic minority and first-generation students. Additionally, tobacco companies have a history of targeting women to sell cigarettes, including by tapping into equality struggles and mainstream fashion and beauty.

Grantees of the Tobacco-Free College Program receive guidance through webinars, learning communities, an in-person training and one-on-one consultations throughout the grant period.

Here’s how to apply:

• Download and read the grant guidelines and application information, including a project work plan template and sample budget and instructions.
• Watch an informational webinar
• Apply using our online application.

Apply Today

Application deadline: September 13th

Learn more about the disproportionate toll tobacco takes on certain populations, including people in low-income communities, racial and ethnic minorities and women.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or 202-454-5555.