Micro Grant Program

The Micro Grant program is administered as part of the Community Grant Program under the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission, a state-level entity responsible for allocating opioid settlement funds to address the opioid crisis across Delaware. The Commission focuses on deploying resources strategically to reduce overdose deaths, expand treatment and recovery services, and strengthen prevention initiatives. This Micro Grant initiative is specifically designed as a rapid-response funding mechanism that prioritizes accessibility and expediency, ensuring that funds can reach organizations working directly in affected communities without the administrative burdens often associated with larger grants. The primary purpose of the Micro Grant program is to provide targeted, flexible funding of up to ten thousand dollars to support initiatives that directly address the opioid crisis. The program emphasizes immediate community impact, enabling organizations to respond to urgent service gaps and implement localized solutions. Funding is intended to supplement, not replace, existing resources, and must align with approved opioid abatement strategies outlined in governing settlement agreements. Eligible uses include prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services, particularly those that demonstrate innovation, evidence-based design, or strong justification through data and research. Eligibility is limited to legally registered entities operating within the State of Delaware, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and governmental bodies. Notably, there is no minimum operational history requirement, which lowers barriers for emerging grassroots organizations and neighborhood coalitions. Applicants must demonstrate appropriate governance structures, qualified staffing, and the capacity to implement proposed programs effectively. Additional expectations include adherence to reporting requirements, commitment to equity and inclusion, and willingness to engage in technical assistance. Prior grantees are evaluated based on past performance and compliance with previous grant obligations. Applications must be submitted through the Bonfire online portal and require completion of all application fields along with submission of mandatory documentation. Required materials include organizational formation documents, bylaws, tax exemption certification where applicable, licenses or certifications, a comprehensive project budget, fiscal control documentation, and compliance forms addressing conflicts of interest and funding supplantation. Failure to submit complete documentation may result in disqualification, although a one-week cure period is provided during the initial review phase for missing items. The evaluation process consists of multiple phases to ensure fairness and consistency. Applications first undergo a technical review to confirm compliance with administrative and statutory requirements. Eligible submissions proceed to a formal evaluation using a standardized scoring rubric, with each application reviewed by multiple evaluators. The Commission then considers alignment with strategic priorities, including service to high-need geographic areas and vulnerable populations, before making final funding decisions. The full Commission votes on awards following the evaluation process. The current grant cycle opened on July 1, 2026, with the application deadline set for August 12, 2026. Informational webinars are offered throughout July to support applicants. Final funding decisions are scheduled for September 28, 2026. Awardees are expected to comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including submission of performance data and participation in monitoring activities such as check-ins and site visits. The program does not specify a recurring cycle but is structured as part of an ongoing funding initiative tied to opioid settlement distributions, suggesting future funding rounds may occur based on available resources and policy direction.

Align proposals with opioid abatement priorities demonstrate evidence based approaches and target underserved populations while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements