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

By   ·  1 minute read

In this blog post, we've outlined 5 action steps you can take today to secure grant funding for your sober living. These steps are:

  1. Identify a target for funding (for instance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development "HUD" - Community Development Block Grant program)
  2. Align with the target (faith-based, MAT friendly, rural communities) 
  3. Persuade the target with a powerful proposal (include your mission, target population, etc.)
  4. Develop a thoughtful budget and use of grant funds (eg. rent, staffing, etc)
  5. Track outcomes to provide quantitative evidence of success

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
  4. Private foundations
  5. United Way Community Impact Grants
  6. Community service organizations like Rotary clubs
  7. Faith-based organizations

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)

Align your home's objectives with these requirements for a better 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) 

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: Utilize Technology to Track Outcomes, Demonstrate Success & Follow Up on Grant Applications

Leverage the Sobriety Hub platform to organize resident data. This data-driven approach can provide valuable evidence of your home's success and the impact it has on the lives of residents. By showcasing positive outcomes, you can strengthen your grant applications and potentially attract additional funding sources.