Suffolk County Opioid Settlement Fund

The Suffolk County Opioid Settlement Fund Award Application is a locally administered funding opportunity established to address the ongoing opioid crisis through targeted investments in prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services. The fund is managed by Suffolk County and reflects a broader public health strategy aligned with approved opioid settlement spending guidelines, specifically those outlined in Schedule C. The initiative is designed to support organizations that can demonstrate meaningful impact in reducing opioid misuse and overdose while strengthening the continuum of care for affected populations. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enable organizations to either expand existing programs or implement new initiatives that directly serve Suffolk County residents impacted by opioid use disorder or at risk of opioid misuse. Funding proposals must align with evidence-based or promising practices and must not replace or supplant existing funding streams. The program emphasizes innovation and responsiveness to community needs, particularly in areas with high rates of opioid overdose or insufficient service coverage. Applicants are encouraged to design programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability beyond the funding period. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities with a presence in Suffolk County, including community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, licensed mental health and substance use treatment providers, federally qualified health centers, first responder agencies, and various governmental entities at the county, town, and tribal levels. All applicants must serve Suffolk County residents and demonstrate the capacity to deliver services within the county. The program supports both one-time and multi-year funding requests, with multi-year awards limited to a maximum of three years. Funding amounts are not capped per program or organization, and applicants may submit multiple proposals. However, there are specific restrictions on allowable expenses. Administrative costs are limited to no more than 20 percent of the total budget, and certain harm reduction supplies such as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips are not eligible for purchase using these funds, as they are available through other public sources. All proposed expenditures must comply with Schedule C requirements and demonstrate that they are not duplicative of existing funded activities. The application process is conducted through an online portal, where applicants must complete all required fields in a single session, as progress cannot be saved. Applicants are advised to prepare responses in advance using a downloadable version of the application. Required components include organizational information, current programming descriptions, detailed program proposals, sustainability plans, and a multi-year budget using the provided template. Upon submission, applicants receive a confirmation email, and designated contacts are expected to manage communication throughout the review and contracting process. Applications are due by July 6, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced in late August 2026, with contract start dates set for January 1, 2027. The review process is conducted by a selection committee composed of Suffolk County leadership and subject matter experts in substance use disorder. Applications are evaluated based on geographic need, population impact, program effectiveness, scalability, sustainability, and organizational capacity. Selected applicants must enter into a contract with the County and comply with reporting requirements, including monthly data submissions and annual reports. The funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring awardees to submit vouchers for incurred expenses, although limited advances may be available. Contracted organizations must also provide documentation such as a W-9, compliance forms, and performance metrics prior to contract execution. The program is expected to continue in future rounds, allowing previously funded organizations to apply for additional funding to expand their services. Overall, the Suffolk County Opioid Settlement Fund represents a strategic local investment aimed at addressing a critical public health issue through collaborative, evidence-driven solutions.

Align proposal clearly with Schedule C; emphasize measurable impact and sustainability; target high-need geographic areas; demonstrate evidence-based or promising practices