INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC STRATEGIES

Programs

1. Alcohol and Drug Prevention:IPS provides community-based, population-level, environmental prevention services related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in three counties and more than a dozen cities across Southern California. Through community-driven policy change at institutional and municipal levels, IPS strives to reduce underage and binge drinking and substance use disorders, as well as eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke in multi-unit housing complexes and in open areas such as parks, beaches, and festivals. The goal is to create lasting social, cultural, physical, legal, and/or political changes in communities with a focus on policies, systems, and environmental factors that will prevent and reduce ATOD problems.

   $3,294,400 spent
   70% of program spending

2. Youth Leadership DevelopmentIPS facilitates Youth in Action, a coalition of immigrant youth ages 16-20 disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, and a #SanDiegoVibes campaign created for youth by youth. Youth are trained in leadership, Youth-led Participatory Action Research, and advocacy. They explore historical divestment in their communities and select and champion policy, systems, and environmental changes to create more equitable neighborhoods. In addition, IPS enhances behavioral health literacy, reduces stigma, and promotes help-seeking behavior in the Latine community of San Diego Countys Border Region. Rooted in Social Justice Youth Development, our approach centers on the co-creation of a digital mental health platform that integrates youth-crafted mental health contentvisuals, storytelling, music, and creative arts. We are establishing a culturally resonant and scalable online community for Latine youth and a blueprint for positive change in mental health education and support.

   $1,001,833 spent
   21% of program spending

3. Health Equity:To support health equity and reduce health disparities, IPS is part of a California Statewide Trusted Messenger Network that builds trust with communities through on-the-ground engagement. IPS also advances health equity in communities to prevent behavioral health disparities in underage drinking rates, substance use disorders, and death related to opioid and meth use. By reflecting the language and culture of the communities we serve, IPS has authentic community interactions to provide accurate information and resources on critical issues. Health and behavioral health problems are more common in certain communities based on historical divestment, socio-economic status, and other demographic characteristics. Therefore, the program focuses on making community conditions more equitable so all communities can thrive.

   $380,636 spent
   8% of program spending

4. Environmental Justice:IPS assists with the development of an environmental justice project led by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County, which will create shovel-ready restoration plans for 15 acres within Otay Valley Regional Park. This once-monoculture eucalyptus grove will be transformed through native habitat restoration, enhanced wildlife corridors, improved stormwater infiltration and water quality, and enriched public access. With the Institute for Public Strategies serving as the community engagement and stewardship lead, the project will ensure that grassroots voicesincluding immigrant youth, tribal partners, and neighborhood residentsshape the design and take ownership of the long-term restoration legacy. Community workshops, youth ambassador programming, public-access design, and a volunteer stewardship framework will anchor the projects sustainability. The result: a restored natural asset that connects wildlife, filters water, provides equitable access to nature, and builds local leadership.

   $2,740 spent
   0% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $4,679,609.