Opioid Settlement Grant

The 2026 Opioid Settlement Grant, administered by HealthierJC, offers funding opportunities to nonprofit organizations that serve youth in Jersey City. The grant initiative is rooted in the broader opioid settlement framework and aims to mitigate the impacts of opioid misuse through prevention strategies tailored to young populations. Targeting youth aged 8 to 24, the funding supports programs that integrate mental health awareness and resilience-building through STEAM and STEM-based curricula. Each funded program must adhere to the federal Schedule B guidelines, which outline evidence-based strategies and reporting requirements aligned with national standards. The grant is structured into three distinct funding tiers based on program length and intensity. Programs operating throughout the calendar year (January 1 to December 31, 2026) may request up to $50,000. Those limited to the school year (January through June and September through December) are eligible for grants up to $30,000. Summer-specific programming (July and August) can receive funding of up to $10,000. Applicants must choose only one tier, and all programs must demonstrate alignment with Schedule B guidelines, which emphasize measurable outcomes, youth access, and a mental health focus. Program selection is conducted by an independent review committee, using a structured rubric. Key evaluation criteria include the strength and clarity of curriculum, accessibility to at-risk youth, program design, budget feasibility, and staff qualifications. Additionally, applicants must show a commitment to equity by ensuring that programming reaches youth most impacted by the opioid crisis. This includes a data-informed approach using HUD income guidelines and ZIP code-based demographic tracking. Successful applicants will be required to submit routine reports before receiving reimbursement. These reports must conform to federal requirements under Schedule B and include validated attendance records. Grantees are responsible for ensuring privacy when collecting participant data, requiring only last names and ZIP codes, and for summer programs, ZIP codes alone. Reimbursements are contingent upon report approval. Informational sessions to support applicants are scheduled for November 12, 2025 (hybrid at 4 Jackson Square, Holloway Board Room), and November 17, 2025 (virtual only). These sessions will help applicants understand the application process, reporting requirements, and alignment expectations under Schedule B. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. Applicants must be registered nonprofit organizations capable of delivering STEAM/STEM-based programming with a mental health emphasis to Jersey City youth. Inquiries can be directed to healthierjc@jcnj.org or through the HealthierJC website. This grant opportunity underscores the city's commitment to health equity and youth development in response to the national opioid epidemic.

Use evidence-based strategies, address social equity and ensure accessibility for vulnerable youth; follow Schedule B closely to ensure reimbursement eligibility.