The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation launched Prevention Matters in 2018 to help Marion County schools identify, implement, and sustain proven substance use prevention programs. Programs used as part of the initiative were chosen for their demonstrated ability to equip students with skills that not only help them avoid drugs and alcohol, but also help improve their academic achievement, attendance, classroom behavior, and social and emotional well-being. Further, these programs have been shown to reduce bullying and violence. 

After the initiative ended, the Foundation – in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Health Foundation of La Porte, and North Central Health Services – created a document outlining guidance for funders interested in awarding grants to schools seeking to implement substance use prevention and mental health programs. 

The document identifies nine key lessons about planning for, supporting, and evaluating substance use prevention and mental health programs so other funders can support schools and communities effectively: 

Determine the needs of students in your community and identify the gaps in programming or services to address those needs. 

1. Support strong evidence-based programs that meet students’ specific needs, fit into the school’s schedule and culture, and can be sustained over time. Determine the needs of students in your community and identify the gaps in programming or services to address those needs. 
2. Before launching an initiative, consider your organizational capacity. 
3. Consider how to structure the grant opportunity to meet schools’ needs. 
4. When launching grant opportunities, consider the school and community outreach needed to gain interest and support. 
5. Evidence-based programs must be implemented as designed to have the desired student impact. 
6. Technical assistance helps support schools in effectively planning and implementing programs. 
7. Identify the progress indicators that measure impact, and support schools’ efforts to capture those indicators during the grant period. 
8. Build relationships with grantees and establish methods of communication that are helpful and not burdensome.