Local Government Grant Program

The Local Government Grant Program is administered by the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission, an entity established to manage and allocate funds derived from national opioid litigation settlements. The Commission’s mandate is to ensure that settlement dollars are distributed in a way that addresses the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, recovery, and related public health strategies. This specific program represents a noncompetitive funding stream reserved exclusively for Delaware’s recognized local government subdivisions, providing them with a predictable allocation of funds each year based on a formalized protocol. The purpose of the program is to empower local governments to design and implement opioid abatement initiatives tailored to the needs of their communities. Rather than competing for funds, eligible jurisdictions receive allocations determined by a data-driven formula that considers overdose rates, substance use disorder treatment admissions, social vulnerability, and population size. This approach ensures equitable distribution while directing resources to areas with the greatest demonstrated need. The program emphasizes evidence-based interventions aligned with approved Opioid Abatement and Remediation Strategies, requiring all funded activities to directly address the impacts of the opioid crisis. Funding under this program must be used to supplement, not replace, existing local or state funding. This non-supplanting requirement is a core compliance condition, ensuring that settlement dollars expand or enhance services rather than offset existing obligations. Allowable uses include a broad range of prevention, treatment, recovery support, and system coordination activities, as defined by the state’s approved strategy framework. Local governments may implement projects directly or designate third-party partners, but all expenditures must adhere strictly to approved categories and undergo compliance review. Eligibility is limited to ten specific subdivisions defined in the Delaware ROADS MAP Agreement, including three counties and seven municipalities. These entities retain local authority over project selection and prioritization, although proposals must undergo a technical review by Commission staff to ensure alignment with state and national guidelines. Final approval is granted through a formal Commission vote, ensuring transparency and accountability in the funding process. The application process requires submission of detailed project proposals using the official Commission application form. Each project must be submitted as a separate application and include defined components such as project purpose, target population, implementation plan, budget narrative, and performance metrics. According to the application document, applicants must clearly articulate measurable outcomes, alignment with approved strategies, and data collection methods for ongoing reporting. This structured approach enables consistent evaluation and monitoring across all funded initiatives. The timeline for the current cycle includes an application opening on March 1, 2026, a submission deadline of June 1, 2026, and an anticipated decision date of June 22, 2026. Following approval, projects must proceed through planning, contracting, and execution phases within defined timeframes, including contract execution within six to twelve months and project completion generally within one year. Recipients are also required to participate in monthly reporting and maintain records for audit purposes. Overall, the Local Government Grant Program is designed to provide consistent, formula-based funding to Delaware’s local jurisdictions while maintaining rigorous oversight and alignment with opioid abatement goals. By combining local autonomy with structured accountability, the program aims to maximize the public health impact of settlement funds and ensure long-term, sustainable responses to the opioid crisis.

Ensure strict alignment with approved opioid abatement strategies; clearly define measurable outcomes and data tracking methods; demonstrate prior experience or capable partnerships; separate each project into its own application as required