Syringe Services & Community-Based Harm Reduction Programs Grant

The Comer Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that supports initiatives aimed at improving public health outcomes, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations. One of its key funding areas focuses on harm reduction strategies, specifically syringe services programs and community-based harm reduction efforts. These programs are designed to reduce opioid overdoses and limit the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities and that provide direct services, education, and access to safer use supplies for people who use drugs. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide general operating support to small organizations engaged in harm reduction practices. Funding can be used for a broad range of operational needs, including the purchase and distribution of safer use supplies, staffing, outreach, and program delivery. The grants are intended to strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations, especially those that are led by individuals with lived experience or those disproportionately affected by drug criminalization and public health inequities. The foundation places particular emphasis on organizations serving areas with limited access to harm reduction services or where such services can have broader policy or systemic impact. Eligibility for this funding is limited to organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not classified as private foundations under section 509(a). Tribal governments and organizations that operate with a fiscal sponsor are also eligible to apply. Applicants must have annual organizational budgets below $600,000 and must have been operating their harm reduction programs for at least one full year. The foundation strongly prioritizes organizations led by people who use drugs, as well as those led by Black, Indigenous, and other communities disproportionately impacted by drug-related harms. The application process requires organizations to submit their proposals through an online grant management system. First-time applicants must create a user profile, preferably using a shared organizational email address. Once registered, applicants can access, save, and complete the application form at their convenience prior to the submission deadline. Required application components include a detailed project budget outlining income and expenses, a copy of the IRS determination letter, documentation for fiscal sponsorship if applicable, and a list of the organization’s board of directors. Optional materials such as letters of support may also be included to strengthen the application. Applications are accepted twice annually, with submission deadlines on May 1 and November 1 at 11:59 PM CST. Following submission, applicants receive a confirmation email from the system. The foundation’s Board of Directors conducts reviews two times per year, with an initial screening period of approximately 30 days. During this phase, applicants may be contacted for additional information, including interviews or site visits. Funding decisions are typically announced in July for May submissions and in January for November submissions, indicating a structured and predictable review cycle. The foundation evaluates applications based on alignment with its funding priorities, organizational leadership and community representation, geographic need, and the potential for impact. Programs that demonstrate innovation, strong community partnerships, and the ability to address service gaps are particularly competitive. The grant awards are structured as single-year gifts, with average funding amounts ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. While relatively modest in size, these grants are intended to provide meaningful support to organizations that may have limited access to larger funding streams. For additional guidance, applicants are encouraged to review tutorial materials provided by the foundation, including application walkthroughs and budget worksheets. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the foundation via email at grants@comerfamilyfoundation.org. The foundation emphasizes transparency, data privacy, and minimizing administrative burden, ensuring that applicants can focus on delivering impactful services rather than navigating overly complex application requirements.

Prioritize demonstrating leadership by impacted communities, geographic service gaps, and measurable harm reduction impact