Ranking last nationally in tobacco control spending, Missouri has few options to build infrastructure for comprehensive programming. Concerned stakeholders argue that tobacco control can be enhanced further. In 2003, a foundation committed a nine year funding initiative to reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.

Audience: Grassroots organizations, coalitions, policy officials and funders

Methods: The foundation's model includes four components: 1) educational campaign on health consequences of tobacco usage and support for control efforts; 2) tiered funding to promote smoke-free workplaces and school prevention programs; 3) external evaluator to evaluate impact, provide technical assistance, and disseminate results; 4) support for existing infrastructure

Results: The initiative funded 28 organizations covering approximately 50% of its service region. The panel will describe their roles and perspectives as part of this initiative and share how this model may be a viable option for other states. Topics include collaborating with partners and leveraging resources, complimenting current activities, assessing evaluation capacity, sustaining post-grant programming and the lack of good surveillance and evaluation data.

Key Points: Non-MSA funding strategies that support building infrastructure and capacity provide the opportunity to bring tobacco control to the forefront of public priorities. Investments in existing infrastructure have the potential for long-term impact that can influence social perceptions and policy change.

Learning Objectives: Illustrate strategies to build capacity and sustainability among the grantees

Demonstrate the critical role and value of evaluation in all phases of the initiative

Benefits: Provide tangible lessons learned and recommendations to participants

Address challenges within a changing tobacco control landscape