Sober living homes are a vital component of addiction recovery. These homes provide a supportive, substance-free environment where individuals who are recovering from addiction can learn essential life skills and strategies for maintaining sobriety.
For many people, sober living homes are the key to long-term success in addiction recovery. However, starting and maintaining a sober living home can be a challenging and expensive process. Fortunately, there are several government grants available that can help offset some of the costs associated with creating and running a sober living home.
In this article, we will outline 12 available government grants for sober living homes and provide guidelines on how to apply for these grants.
Available Government Grants for Sober Living Homes
Table of Content
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants
- Community Development Block Grants
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grants
- Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
- Department of Justice (DOJ) Grants
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grants
- Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Grants
- Department of Education Grants
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants
- National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Grants
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grants
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Grants
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a range of grant opportunities for organizations that provide services related to substance abuse and mental health.
These grants are designed to support a wide variety of programs, including prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Organizations that provide sober living homes are eligible to apply for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants.
Eligibility for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants
There are some general eligibility criteria that most Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant programs require:
- Legal Status: The applicant organization must be a legally recognized entity, such as a non-profit organization, government agency, or tribal organization.
- Non-Discrimination: The applicant organization must agree to comply with all applicable non-discrimination laws.
- Financial Management: The applicant organization must have sound financial management practices and be able to maintain accurate records.
- Program Experience: The applicant organization must have experience in providing the type of program or service that the grant will fund.
- Evaluation: The applicant organization must be willing to participate in program evaluation activities.
Steps to Apply for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants:
- Identify the Grant Opportunity: Start by identifying the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant program that best aligns with your organization’s mission and goals.
- Review the Grant Requirements: Once you have identified the grant program, review the application requirements and eligibility criteria. Make sure that your organization meets all the eligibility criteria and can meet the application requirements.
- Develop a Grant Proposal: Develop a grant proposal that outlines your organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. Be sure to clearly explain how your organization will use the grant funding to support your mission and goals.
- Prepare Supporting Documentation: Gather any supporting documentation that is required for the grant application, such as financial statements, tax documents, and program evaluations.
- Submit the Grant Application: Submit the grant application by the deadline. Make sure that you follow all of the application instructions and provide all the required information and documentation.
- Await Notification: After submitting the grant application, await notification of the grant award decision. If your organization is awarded a grant, be sure to comply with all grant reporting requirements.
Community Development Block Grants
Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) are federal grants that are distributed to state and local governments. These grants are designed to support community development and improve the quality of life in low-income communities.
CDBGs can be used to fund a wide range of projects, including housing, public facilities, and economic development. Sober living homes are also eligible for Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) funding.
Eligibility for Community Development Block Grants
To be eligible for Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) funding, an organization must meet the following requirements:
- Legal Status: The applicant organization must be a legally recognized entity, such as a non-profit organization, local government agency, or state government agency.
- Capacity to Manage Funds: The applicant organization must have the capacity to manage federal funds and comply with federal regulations.
- Community Development Activities: The proposed activity or project must meet one of the three Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) national objectives: benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or address urgent community development needs.
Steps to Apply for Community Development Block Grants:
- Identify the Grant Opportunity: Start by identifying the Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) grant program that best aligns with your organization’s mission and goals.
- Review the Grant Requirements: Once you have identified the grant program, review the application requirements and eligibility criteria. Make sure that your organization meets all the eligibility criteria
- Develop a Grant Proposal: Develop a grant proposal that outlines your organization’s mission, goals, and objectives.
- Prepare Supporting Documentation: Gather any supporting documentation that is required for the grant application, such as financial statements, tax documents, and project descriptions.
- Consult with the Local Government: Before submitting the application, consult with the local government to make sure that the proposed project is consistent with the community’s development plan and priorities.
- Submit the Grant Application: Submit the grant application by the deadline. Make sure that you follow all of the application instructions and provide all of the required information and documentation.
- Await Notification: After submitting the grant application, await notification of the grant award decision. If your organization is awarded a grant, be sure to comply with all grant reporting requirements.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grants
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a variety of grants to support affordable housing and community development. Sober living homes may be eligible for funding through HUD’s Supportive Housing Program, which provides grants to organizations that offer supportive services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants are available to a range of organizations, including non-profits, local governments, and public housing authorities. Some grants may have additional eligibility requirements, such as a specific focus on serving low-income populations or addressing a particular community need.
- Applicants will need to be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) before they can apply for grants. This registration can take several weeks to process, so it is important to begin this process early.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website for current grant opportunities and review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines the project or program you are seeking funding for, including how it will address the needs of the community and how the funds will be used.
- Register with Grants.gov: Applicants must register with Grants.gov, which is the central portal for applying for federal grants. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation. This may include a detailed budget, a project timeline, and information on any partners or collaborators involved in the project.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) is a federal grant that is distributed to states and territories to support substance abuse prevention and treatment services. States may use Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) funding to support a variety of programs, including sober living homes.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant varies by state and territory. In general, states and territories must submit a plan to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that outlines how they will use the grant funds to support substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
- The grant is typically awarded to state agencies responsible for overseeing substance abuse programs and services. Non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and other entities may also be eligible to apply for funding as part of a partnership with a state agency.
- In order to apply for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, you will need to work with your state’s substance abuse agency. Contact the agency to learn about the specific application process and requirements in your state.
- Develop a plan: Work with your state agency to develop a plan that outlines how you will use the grant funds to support substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services in your community. This plan should be in alignment with the state’s overall plan for the use of the grant funds.
- Submit the application: Once you have developed your plan, work with the state agency to submit the application for the grant.
- Wait for approval: After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for approval from the state agency and SAMHSA. The approval process may take several weeks or months.
- Implement the program: Once your application is approved, you can begin implementing your program.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Grants
The Department of Justice (DOJ) offers several grant programs that support drug treatment and prevention programs. For example, the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program provides funding to organizations that support drug treatment courts. Sober living homes may be eligible for funding through Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible applicants for Department of Justice (DOJ) Sober Living Grants include non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, and local governments.
- To be eligible, the organization must operate or plan to operate a sober living facility that provides a supportive living environment for individuals in recovery from substance abuse.
- The organization must also have experience in providing substance abuse treatment and support services.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the Department of Justice (DOJ) website for current grant opportunities related to sober living facilities, and review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines the sober living facility you are seeking funding for, including the location, the capacity, and the services that will be provided to residents.
- Register with Grants.gov: Applicants must register with Grants.gov, which is the central portal for applying for federal grants. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grants
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers several grant programs that support healthcare services in underserved communities. Sober living homes may be eligible for funding through Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant programs that support substance abuse treatment and prevention services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible applicants include public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations, universities, and tribal organizations.
- To be eligible, the organization must provide or plan to provide substance abuse treatment services, including sober living support services, in underserved areas or to underserved populations.
- The organization must also demonstrate experience and expertise in providing substance abuse treatment services and the capacity to establish or expand a telehealth network for substance abuse treatment services.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website for current grant opportunities related to substance abuse treatment services, including sober living support. Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines your organization’s plan for providing sober living support services to underserved areas or populations.
- Register with Grants.gov: Applicants must register with Grants.gov, which is the central portal for applying for federal grants. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Grants
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) offers several grant programs that support families and communities. Sober living homes that provide services to families and children may be eligible for funding through Administration for Children and Families (ACF) grant programs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible applicants for Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Sober Living Grants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and Native American tribal governments.
- To be eligible, the organization must have the plan to provide or expand sober living facilities and services to individuals recovering from substance abuse.
- The organization must also demonstrate experience and expertise in providing substance abuse treatment services and the capacity to establish or expand a network of sober living facilities.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) website for current grant opportunities related to substance abuse treatment services, including sober living support. Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines your organization’s plan for providing sober living support services to individuals in recovery from substance abuse.
- Register with Grants.gov: Applicants must register with Grants.gov, which is the central portal for applying for federal grants. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
Department of Education Grants
The Department of Education offers several grant programs that support education and training programs. Sober living homes that offer educational and vocational training programs to residents may be eligible for funding through Department of Education grant programs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the specific grant program. Be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the grant program you are interested in.
- In general, eligible applicants may include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, and other public and private entities.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the Department of Education website for current grant opportunities related to substance abuse treatment services or related fields, such as mental health or student support services.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines your organization’s plan for providing sober living support services, if applicable.
- Register with Grants.gov: Applicants must register with Grants.gov, which is the central portal for applying for federal grants. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers several grant programs that support research and training related to substance abuse and addiction. Sober living homes that participate in research studies or provide training opportunities for addiction treatment providers may be eligible for NIH grant funding.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the specific grant program. Be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the grant program you are interested in.
- In general, eligible applicants may include institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and foreign entities.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website for current grant opportunities related to substance abuse treatment services or related fields, such as mental health or addiction research. Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines your research or program plan related to sober living as a recovery support service.
- Register with Grants.gov: Applicants must register with Grants.gov, which is the central portal for applying for federal grants. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Grants
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers grant programs that support humanities initiatives, including programs that focus on the human experience of addiction and recovery. Sober living homes that offer educational or cultural programs related to addiction and recovery may be eligible for National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant funding.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the specific grant program.
- In general, eligible applicants may include institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and individuals.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) website for current grant opportunities related to the humanities. Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines your project plan related to the humanities.
- Register with Grants.gov: Applicants must register with Grants.gov, which is the central portal for applying for federal grants. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several grant programs that support veterans and their families. Sober living homes that provide services to veterans may be eligible for funding through Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant programs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the specific grant program.
- In general, eligible applicants may include non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and Indian tribes.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant opportunities: Check the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website for current grant opportunities related to sober living or related programs. Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a grant proposal: Create a grant proposal that outlines your sober living program plan for veterans.
- Register with the System for Award Management (SAM): All organizations must register with SAM, which is the central database for federal grant recipients. This registration can take several days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant application and provide all required information and documentation. This may include a detailed budget, a project timeline, and information on any partners or collaborators involved in the project.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through the appropriate channels as outlined in the grant application. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Grants
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several grant programs that support small businesses and non-profit organizations. Sober living homes may be eligible for funding through SBA grant programs that support community development and non-profit organizations.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the specific grant or loan program. Be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the program you are interested in.
- In general, eligible applicants may include small businesses, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurs.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify grant or loan opportunities: Check the Small Business Administration (SBA) website for current grant and loan opportunities related to small businesses or related programs. Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Develop a business plan: Create a business plan that outlines your sober living business concept, market research, financial projections, and strategies for growth and sustainability.
- Register for a D-U-N-S Number: All businesses and organizations that apply for federal grants and loans must register for a Data Universal Number System (D-U-N-S) number through Dun & Bradstreet.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions for the specific grant or loan application and provide all required information and documentation.
- Submit the application: Once the application is complete, submit it through the appropriate channels as outlined in the grant or loan application. You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.