Access to Recovery Emergency Gap Funds Grant Program

The Access to Recovery Emergency Gap Funds Grant Program is administered by Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response, a coordinating body within the Maryland Department of Health that works across state and local agencies to address substance use and overdose. The office aligns its efforts with statewide priorities focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, public safety, and meeting individuals where they are. This grant program reflects the agency’s commitment to reducing barriers to care for individuals experiencing opioid use disorder by providing flexible, short-term financial assistance where existing systems fall short. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide emergency gap funding that enables organizations to support individuals in accessing treatment and recovery services on an as-needed basis. The program is designed specifically to address immediate, short-term needs that cannot be met through other funding sources. Organizations receiving funds are expected not only to provide this immediate support but also to connect individuals to longer-term care coordination systems and sustainable recovery resources once urgent barriers have been addressed. Funding is intended to cover specific, allowable costs that directly facilitate access to treatment and recovery. These include transportation to treatment or related services, recovery housing expenses at certified facilities, and access to medications for opioid use disorder when other reimbursement options are unavailable. The program explicitly prohibits the use of funds for personnel costs, equipment purchases, or general living expenses such as clothing or food. All expenditures must be documented, directly tied to program goals, and incurred within the defined grant period. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring grantees to initially cover costs and later submit documentation for repayment. Eligibility for the program includes a defined set of public and nonprofit entities operating within Maryland. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local government entities such as health departments and behavioral health authorities, and nonprofit community-based organizations, particularly those recognized as recovery community organizations or certified recovery residences. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for funding, identify the populations they serve, and articulate the specific barriers their proposed project will address. Additionally, applicants must comply with all applicable state laws and maintain appropriate organizational documentation and certifications. The application process requires submission of a complete package through an online Smartsheet portal. Required components include a completed application form, a detailed budget template with justifications, a document checklist, and supporting organizational documentation for nongovernmental applicants. Proposals must clearly outline project goals, performance measures, timelines, and budget details. Applications are evaluated by a scoring committee composed of subject matter experts and agency staff, using criteria that assess alignment with program priorities, clarity of the problem statement, feasibility of the timeline, and appropriateness of the budget. The grant timeline is short and highly structured. The funding opportunity was released on April 1, 2026, with applications due by April 22, 2026. Award decisions are expected by May 1, 2026, with the period of performance running from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. This compressed timeline emphasizes the program’s focus on immediate impact and rapid deployment of resources. All funded activities and expenditures must be completed within this timeframe, and organizations are required to submit quarterly reports documenting progress and expenditures. Oversight and accountability are central to the program’s design. Grantees must submit regular reports detailing performance metrics and financial expenditures, along with supporting documentation. The Maryland Office of Overdose Response may conduct monitoring activities, including site visits or audits, to ensure compliance. Organizations are also expected to maintain detailed financial and programmatic records for several years after the grant period. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact designated program staff, including the Grants Program Director and Grants Coordinator, via email.

Ensure strong alignment with treatment access priorities; provide clear measurable outcomes; include detailed and justified budget; demonstrate specific barriers and population impact