The Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission has opened its fourth competitive grant round, offering funding for programs focused on opioid prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support. Created with AI on 7/11/26

Organizations may seek funding for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs through Aug. 12

WILMINGTON — Delaware organizations working to address the opioid crisis can apply for a share of $12.75 million in the latest round of community grants funded through settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors.

The Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission has opened its fourth competitive grant round, offering funding for programs focused on opioid prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support.

Applications are due Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The commission is again using a three-tier grant system intended to make funding available to organizations of different sizes, from grassroots community groups to established health care providers operating statewide programs.

“Our priority is ensuring that settlement funds are used for responsible, sustainable and — most importantly — measurable solutions to the opioid crisis,” commission Director Brad Owens said.

Owens said applicants will be expected to demonstrate how their programs will produce measurable results.

“Measuring impact is essential, and we want to reward grantees who can show how their programs are moving the needle,” he said.

Three levels of funding

General grants are intended for experienced organizations proposing large-scale, evidence-based programs. Awards begin at $30,000, and the commission has not established a formal maximum.

The largest individual award issued through previous grant rounds was $1 million.

Mini grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 are intended for smaller structured projects, pilot programs, outreach efforts and supplemental activities proposed by larger organizations.

Micro grants of up to $10,000 are designed for small organizations, emerging groups and short-term projects intended to create an immediate local impact.

The commission said the tiered model is intended to prevent smaller community organizations from being shut out of the funding process while still supporting larger clinical and statewide initiatives.

Applications will undergo a six-week review and scoring process after the Aug. 12 deadline. The commission is scheduled to vote on the Round 4 recipients Monday, Sept. 28.

Local governments receive separate funding

The community grant round is separate from a new Local Government Grant program created by the commission with a 2026 budget of $3.25 million.

That program places settlement money directly in the hands of Delaware counties and municipalities, allowing local leaders to determine how the funds can best address opioid-related needs in their communities.

The commission said the approach is intended to provide local governments with reliable funding while recognizing that the effects of opioid addiction and overdose can vary significantly among different areas of the state.

More than $27 million awarded

Since 2022, the commission has awarded more than 140 grants totaling over $27 million.

Delaware is expected to receive approximately $250 million through national legal settlements involving companies accused of contributing to the opioid crisis.

The commission is responsible for determining how much of that money is distributed to qualifying programs and for evaluating whether funded initiatives are producing measurable results.

The commission does not provide treatment or other direct services. Instead, it distributes settlement funds to government agencies, health care providers, nonprofit groups and community organizations.

TO GO BOX

• What: Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission Round 4 community grants
• Funding available: $12.75 million
• Who may apply: Delaware organizations proposing opioid prevention, treatment, harm reduction or recovery support programs
• Grant levels: Micro grants up to $10,000; mini grants from $10,000 to $30,000; general grants beginning at $30,000
• Application deadline: Wednesday, Aug. 12
• Award vote: Monday, Sept. 28
• Learn more and apply: deopioidsettlementfunds.org

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