Town of Barnstable Opioid Abatement Funds

The Town of Barnstable has announced the availability of Opioid Abatement Funding for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 as part of a statewide settlement with opioid distributors and Johnson & Johnson. This funding, made possible through Massachusetts' participation in a $26 billion national settlement, aims to support municipal initiatives addressing the opioid crisis through prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services. Under Massachusetts' State-Subdivision Agreement, 40% of the total settlement funds received by the state are allocated directly to municipalities. The Town of Barnstable will distribute these funds locally to eligible applicants in the form of grants of up to $50,000 per project year. Grants are structured for an initial one-year term with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years, contingent upon performance benchmarks and deliverables being met. The town reserves the right to award multiyear contracts based on the scope of the proposed project and an organization's prior experience. Organizations eligible to apply include public agencies, state and federally recognized nonprofits, and other interested parties. Collaborative partnerships are encouraged, provided that a lead agency is designated to handle project delivery and reporting. Grant funding may not be used to support services already reimbursed by state entities such as MassHealth or the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, though funding can still support related agencies in other capacities that meet community needs. The Town has scheduled multiple application rounds throughout 2024 and 2025 to accommodate proposals. Deadlines include November 12, 2024, for RIZE Grant applicants; December 31, 2024, for Round One; March 31, 2025, for Round Two; June 30, 2025, for Round Three; and September 30, 2025, for Round Four. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time on the specified dates. Prior to launching the funding program, Barnstable undertook a robust community engagement effort that included facilitated public conversations, focus groups, and direct feedback sessions. This process was designed to ensure that the final funding approach reflected community priorities and the lived experience of those impacted by the opioid epidemic. A detailed application, scope of work guidance, and state-approved abatement strategies are available online through the Town of Barnstable’s official website. Selected organizations will enter into a formal contract with the town, with expectations clearly outlined regarding service delivery, reporting, and performance metrics.