Elevate Youth California: Cohort 8 Standard Track

About this program

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is offering approximately $44 million through Elevate Youth California Cohort 8 Standard Track to support community-based and Tribal organizations implementing youth substance use prevention through policy, systems, and environmental change. Projects should promote leadership and civic engagement among youth of color and 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12–26, use evidence-based or community-driven approaches, and include evaluation, youth listening sessions, reporting, and participation in technical assistance and regional convenings. Eligible applicants are California-based 501(c)(3) community-based or Tribal organizations with established community relationships that serve California; organizations with an active EYC grant are generally ineligible, except those whose current award ends by December 2026 and qualifying fiscal sponsors. Awards may range from $1 to $1 million for projects running January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029, with applications due September 21, 2026.