Opioid Settlement Funding Program

Berkeley County, South Carolina is distributing funds derived from the national opioid settlement, a $26 billion agreement involving opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. This settlement was designed to provide long-term financial resources to state and local governments to address the widespread impacts of the opioid epidemic. Berkeley County has received annual allocations since 2022 and most recently obtained an installment of $601,458.78. These funds are part of South Carolina’s broader allocation of more than $360 million to be distributed over an 18-year period, with at least 92 percent designated specifically for opioid abatement and remediation efforts. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support local organizations and agencies that are actively engaged in combating opioid misuse, addiction, and related public health challenges. The county intends to distribute funds to entities working directly on the front lines, including those providing treatment, recovery, prevention, and harm reduction services. The program emphasizes evidence-based strategies and prioritizes initiatives that can demonstrate measurable impact in reducing opioid-related harm within the community. Eligible uses of funds are clearly defined and must align with approved opioid remediation strategies. These include purchasing and distributing naloxone or other FDA-approved overdose reversal medications, expanding medication-assisted treatment programs, and supporting services for pregnant and postpartum women affected by opioid use disorder. Additional allowable activities include expanding treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome, strengthening recovery support systems such as warm handoff programs, and providing treatment services for incarcerated populations. Prevention initiatives, syringe service program expansion, and data collection or research evaluating intervention effectiveness are also permitted. Eligibility is limited to organizations and agencies that directly address opioid-related issues through frontline services or support systems. This includes nonprofits, public agencies, and other community-based organizations with demonstrated involvement in opioid response efforts. Applicants are encouraged to apply for funding amounts up to $100,000, although final award amounts may depend on available funds, application quality, and state approval. The county has indicated that distribution of funds is contingent upon final approval from the state, which may affect award timelines. The application process is straightforward and conducted through an online portal accessible via a designated application link. The application period opens at 8:00 a.m. on April 27, 2026, and closes at 12:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026. Applicants must complete and submit all required materials within this window. While specific application components are not detailed, applicants should be prepared to describe their proposed use of funds, organizational capacity, and alignment with approved remediation strategies. Evaluation of applications is expected to focus on alignment with opioid abatement goals, the effectiveness and feasibility of proposed interventions, and the applicant’s ability to deliver measurable outcomes. Although specific scoring criteria are not provided, emphasis is likely placed on evidence-based approaches and demonstrated community impact. There is no mention of a required match or cost-sharing component, suggesting that funds may be awarded without a matching requirement. This funding opportunity appears to be part of an ongoing annual allocation cycle tied to the broader opioid settlement disbursement schedule. Berkeley County has received funding each year since 2022, indicating a recurring opportunity for local organizations. However, each funding round may require separate applications and is subject to state-level approval before funds can be distributed. Applicants are encouraged to monitor future announcements for subsequent funding cycles.

Align proposals closely with approved opioid remediation uses and emphasize evidence-based impact on treatment, prevention, or recovery services