Lewis County Future Stories Fund in New York

The Future Stories Fund is administered by the Lewis County Community Services Board in New York and aims to invest in the health and well-being of county residents by addressing the opioid overdose epidemic. This public health crisis has claimed the lives of many community members, leaving deep personal, social, and economic impacts. The fund was established to leverage the compassion and resilience within the community to save lives, reduce the effects of opioid use disorder, and strengthen opportunities for individuals to build positive futures. The funding originates from opioid settlement agreements following lawsuits filed in 2018 by Lewis County against pharmaceutical companies and drug distributors over their role in promoting prescription opioid painkillers. The county has received approximately $300,000 in accelerated payments from both federal lawsuits and State Abatement (OASAS) funds, and expects an annual allocation of about $55,000 for the next 16 years. These funds will be distributed as grants annually. The program’s objectives are to support a range of local organizations in combating opioid-related issues through prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies. Priority is given to proposals that discourage opioid misuse, reduce overdose deaths, lower barriers to treatment, support recovery, and provide resources for individuals and families affected by the crisis. Examples of eligible initiatives include mentorship programs for youth, community-based prevention efforts, mental health support, overdose recognition training, and workforce development for people in recovery. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, municipalities, schools, healthcare institutions, for-profit businesses, and government entities. All projects must have a direct impact within Lewis County, meet the approved uses as outlined in Schedule C, and preferably be innovative or new to the community. Collaboration among nonprofits and faith-based organizations is encouraged. The 2025 funding cycle opens August 12, 2025, and closes September 5, 2025. Award announcements are scheduled for September 24–26, 2025, with funded programs implemented from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Grants range from a minimum of $8,000 to a maximum of $55,000. Matching funds are not required. Projects must align with the county’s strategies and demonstrate measurable impact on the opioid crisis. Applications may be submitted via a downloadable fillable PDF or through an online form on the Lewis County website. All applicants are encouraged to contact the county offices for accessibility assistance if needed. The Lewis County Community Services Board will oversee the review and selection process, ensuring alignment with community priorities gathered from surveys and stakeholder engagement.