Opioid Settlement Grant

The Opioid Settlement Grant Application administered by the Augusta Richmond County Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee is a locally funded initiative designed to address the ongoing opioid crisis within Augusta Richmond County, Georgia. This funding opportunity is part of the broader National Opioid Settlement, through which municipalities across the United States receive financial resources from settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. The City of Augusta, under the leadership of its governing body and Mayor’s Office, has established the Advisory Committee to ensure that these funds are allocated responsibly and in alignment with approved opioid abatement strategies. The committee plays an oversight role, ensuring that funded initiatives directly contribute to mitigating the impacts of opioid misuse within the community. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support projects, services, and initiatives that address opioid prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. Eligible activities include but are not limited to community education campaigns, substance use prevention programs, clinical treatment services, recovery support systems, and harm reduction strategies such as overdose prevention and outreach. All funded activities must align with approved uses under opioid settlement guidelines, meaning that funds cannot be used for unrelated general expenses but must specifically contribute to reducing opioid-related harm and improving public health outcomes in Augusta Richmond County. Funding is made available to a broad range of local organizations that are positioned to deliver services directly to residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community-based organizations, as well as other qualifying groups that can demonstrate their ability to implement effective opioid-related programs. While the exact funding amounts, number of awards, and matching requirements are not specified in the available materials, applicants are expected to propose projects that are scalable, impactful, and aligned with community needs. There is no indication of a required cost share or matching component, suggesting that applicants may request full funding for their proposed initiatives. The application process is conducted online through a designated grant application portal managed by the Advisory Committee. Applicants are required to complete the full application and submit all necessary attachments by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not enumerated in the available information, it is implied that applicants must provide sufficient detail about their proposed programs, including objectives, implementation plans, and expected outcomes. There is no mention of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent, indicating that applicants may proceed directly to full submission. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2026, and all applications must be received by that date to be considered. The opportunity appears to be a single-cycle funding round tied to the availability of settlement funds, with no explicit indication of recurring annual cycles. The timeline for review, award decisions, and project implementation is not specified, but applicants can expect that the Advisory Committee will evaluate proposals based on their alignment with opioid abatement priorities and their potential impact on the community. For inquiries related to the application process, applicants are directed to contact Beverly H. Brown, identified as an Opioid Public Health Analyst. Contact information includes an email address and phone number, providing a direct point of communication for technical assistance or clarification. This ensures that applicants have access to support throughout the submission process. Overall, the grant represents a targeted local investment in addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges facing Augusta Richmond County, with a focus on measurable outcomes and community-based solutions.