6 steps to get grant funding for a Sober Living, Recovery Residence, or Halfway House

In this blog post, we've outlined 6 action steps you can take today to secure grant funding for your sober living. These steps are:

1. Identify a target for funding
2. Ensure you have the supporting materials completed and ready to use
3. Ensure your mission aligns with the funding targets mission
4. Persuade the funding target with a powerful proposal
5. Develop a budget 
6.  Always Track outcomes 

Before we get to the 6 steps, there are 3 prerequisites that you should have ALL or MOST of completed to be eligible for the majority of grants, those are: 

1. Have a Property Already
2. Have your 501c3 status
3. Have your business plan and budget complete. If you need help with this,  The Fletcher Group may be able to provide technical assistance and toolkits)

Once you've got those prerequisites, your next steps are to:

Step 1: Research and Identify Targeted Funding Sources

Begin by researching funding sources specifically catering to substance abuse recovery programs and sober living homes. Some organizations and foundations offering grants include:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Community Development Block Grant program
3. Local government agencies - such as state’s Office of Drug Policy, Health & Human Services, Housing Authorities, and local USDA office. Talk to state and local representatives on how using the opioid settlement dollars for recovery housing would be very beneficial in supporting people after treatment. 
4. State Nonprofit Centers (National Council of Nonprofits)
5. Private foundations:  (like The Archway Institute) these may be national, regional or state specific. So, a community foundation or charity navigator can be useful to find them: 
   1. Community Foundation Locator | Council on Foundations (cof.org)
   2. Charity Ratings and Donor Resources | Charity Navigator
6. United Way Community Impact Grants
7. Scholarships (like Fund Recovery and the Clean Cause Foundation) these are not grants, but rather they are programs that can pay on behalf of your clients. 

Note: When you engage with a resource always ask ‘Is there someone else or another organization that I should contact?’

Compile a list of potential grant opportunities tailored to your sober living home's mission and services.

Step 2: Evaluate and Align with Eligibility Requirements

Review each funding opportunity's eligibility requirements and guidelines. Ensure your sober living home meets the criteria, such as serving a specific demographic, or offering particular programming (eg. faith-based, MAT friendly, rural community, etc.)

Explain how your home's objectives align with these requirements for a higher chance of success.

Step 3: Craft a Persuasive and Detailed Proposal

A robust grant proposal is key to securing funding. Clearly articulate the need for your sober living home, the services offered, and its community impact. Include details about your organization's

1. Mission
2. Target population
3. Staff expertise
4. Plans for growth and sustainability
5. Use of funds (explained more in step 4) 
6. Include a community assessment (FGI can provide you with a toolkit for this, too.)
7. Letters of Support and testimonial from community leaders

Use precise language and support your claims with evidence.

Step 4: Develop a Comprehensive and Realistic Budget

A thorough budget is a vital part of your grant proposal. Outline specifically how the grant funding will be utilized, breaking down expenses such as:

• rent costs
• utilities
• staffing wages
• transportation costs
• program materials
• administrative costs

Ensure your budget accurately reflects your home's financial needs.

Step 5: Use Sobriety Hub Software to Track Outcomes and Get more Funding!