The Blue Ribbon Coalition Initiative, driven by CADCA and the National Coalition Institute (NCI) with funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is officially accepting applications for 2024! Don’t miss out on your coalition’s chance to gain national recognition for the positive community-level outcomes you have achieved. Blue Ribbon is the only community credential awarded to coalitions for their proven coalition products and successful community outcomes.

What is the Blue Ribbon Application Process?
The Blue Ribbon Application Process is a two-phase evaluation that will review and score on each of the coalition’s products, such as the Community Assessment and Logic Model. In Phase I, NCI will review and score each coalition’s products, and coalitions meeting a predetermined threshold score will achieve Blue Ribbon status and advance to Phase II.

The highest scoring Phase II applicants will receive a prestigious award in one of the following categories:

• Coalition in Focus: Short-term Outcomes
• Coalition of Excellence: Intermediate Outcomes
• Coalition of the Year: Long-term Outcomes

Why Apply?
By participating in the Blue Ribbon Coalition Initiative, your coalition stands to gain significant recognition from CADCA and ONDCP for its efforts in community-level change. Blue Ribbon is the only community credential awarded to coalitions for their proven coalition products and successful community outcomes. Moreover, the highest-scoring Phase II applicants will receive a prestigious award, be recognized during CADCA’s annual Leadership Forum, and be invited to showcase their stories of impact.

Who Should Apply?
All coalitions are encouraged to apply, regardless of size or tenure. However, we particularly recommend that coalitions in year two of their Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant consider applying. This recognition is not limited to specific types of coalitions; rather, it celebrates the dedication and impact of coalitions across diverse communities.

A Two-Year Certification
It’s important to note that Blue Ribbon Coalition certification is a two-year honor. After two years, coalitions can reapply through the Blue Ribbon Application Process to maintain their certification status. Coalitions who reapply before the two-year mark expires and achieve Blue Ribbon Coalition status will have their two-year status restarted.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Shine
Now is the time to showcase your coalition’s hard work and dedication to community change. Remember, phase I applications are due by June 28, 2024.

For more information and to access the application materials, please visit CADCA’s website.

We look forward to receiving your applications and celebrating your successes!