The spring funding season is here again.  While the general process is the same as used in prior years, there are a couple of new developments.  The timeline below includes the new events.

New Regional Prevention Plans
New Regional Needs Assessments are available here.  This year's release is based on the most recent Safe & Drug Free Schools survey (2006) and will form the basis of new regional prevention plans developed by Benchmark and each DHW region.  Applicants should use the new regional prevention plans when they become available to target their prevention programs effectively.

2009 Provider Service Delivery Surveys
Different than prior years, Benchmark will survey all existing prevention contractors to determine their 2009 service delivery plans.  Direct service providers in good standing that plan to deliver the same or similar substance abuse prevention services and that are consistent with the new Regional Prevention Plans (ed.) will be able reserve funds and bypass the full application process.  Coalitions, new applicants and existing providers that wish to make substantial changes in their service delivery plans will apply and compete for the remaining funds. 

Change in funding for participation in DHW trainings
Due to changing budget realities, it is no longer possible to reimburse contracted prevention providers for staff time spent in DHW provided trainings such as the Idaho Substance Abuse Institute.  We anticipate that travel, lodging and a dinner per diem will still be available for program staff that travel beyond normal commuting distance.   Benchmark realizes that this news will come as a disappointment, although it was not unexpected, and is the reason we worked to get provider staff to complete as many courses as possible while funds were still available.   Providers should note that they are still required to comply with the Qualified Professional Staff section of the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Substance Abuse Prevention Program and Coalition Standards.

SFY 2009 Timeline

January 28, 2008	Updated 2008 Needs Assessment released
March 7, 2008	2009 Service Delivery Survey for Current Providers released
March 21, 2008	Updated Regional Prevention Plans developed by BRS, RDs, RACs
March 21, 2008	2009 Provider Service Delivery Surveys Due
March 28, 2008	Request for Funding Applications Released
April 14, 2008	First conference call for RFA questions (morning)
April 21, 2008	Second conference call for RFA questions (afternoon)
April 25, 2008	New funding applications due at Benchmark
May 13-15, 2008	Benchmark funding allocation conference
May 26, 2008	Regional Funding Allocation plans reviewed and announced
May 26 and onward	SFY 2009 contracts and amendments prepared and distributed
July 1, 2008	SFY 2009 Substance Abuse Prevention Services begin!