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 135 historically black colleges and universities 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 2,106 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.

Register for an informational webinar on February 6 or March 7 at 3 p.m. ET.

Apply using our online application.

APPLY NOW

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

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 collegegrant@truthinitiative.org or 202-454-5555.