The 84 Movement - Chapter Grant Program

Funder: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program (MTCP)

Geographic Scope: Massachusetts

Focus Areas:

• Youth tobacco prevention and policy advocacy
• Tobacco control initiatives at local/municipal level
• Policy projects supporting tobacco control priorities

Eligible Applicants:

• The 84 Chapters (youth groups at high schools, middle schools, or community organizations)
• Massachusetts youth organizations focused on tobacco prevention

Program Objectives:
Supports youth-led projects to implement tobacco control policies in their communities. The 84 Movement represents the 84% (now 93%) of Massachusetts youth who do not smoke. Chapters can select from several project types including:

• Community Mapping projects (identifying tobacco retailers and proximity to schools/parks/playgrounds)
• Photovoice projects
• Local policy advocacy and testimony
• Civic engagement and education campaigns

Priority Policies Supported:

• Raising the price of single cigars to $2.50 or more (requiring sales in packs of 2+)
• Prohibiting sale of tobacco in pharmacies
• Restricting where flavored tobacco products can be sold
• Capping the number of retail tobacco licenses

Support Provided:

• Technical assistance from local tobacco control organizations
• Staff support from The 84 in partnership with MTCP
• Training in civic processes, testimony development, media relations
• On-demand trainings throughout the year for capacity building

Application Process

Grant Administration:

• Grants administered by The 84 staff in partnership with MTCP
• Staff determine which project types should be funded based on effectiveness from previous cycles
• Multiple project types available for Chapters to select from

Support in Application Process:

• The 84 partners with local tobacco control organizations to provide technical assistance
• Assistance in selecting project type most likely to succeed in specific communities
• Support in preparing applications
• Training on research, data collection, and public speaking skills
• Pre-hearing preparation including testimony development and media training

Project-Based Approach:
Chapters conduct specific projects during each grant cycle. Project effectiveness informs funding decisions for subsequent cycles.