Grants for Prevention, Early Intervention, Harm Reduction and Treatment of Opioid Related Harm in California

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, in partnership with the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Behavioral Health Division, is offering grants to address opioid-related disorders and harm. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to improve community well-being by tackling critical public health issues. The program focuses on a comprehensive approach, encompassing prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals and communities affected by opioid-related disorders within Santa Cruz County, California. The goal is to reduce the incidence and impact of opioid misuse, increase access to effective treatment and recovery services, and ultimately save lives. Nonprofit organizations providing services within Santa Cruz County are eligible to apply, ensuring that local needs are met through community-based solutions. The program prioritizes a multi-faceted strategy to combat the opioid crisis. Funding is available for a range of activities, from preventative education and early intervention programs to harm reduction strategies such as Naloxone distribution, as well as comprehensive treatment and long-term recovery support. This broad focus aims to create a robust system of care that addresses the crisis at various stages, from initial risk to sustained recovery. Expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in opioid overdose deaths and non-fatal overdoses, an increase in the number of individuals accessing treatment and recovery services, and an overall improvement in public health indicators related to opioid use. While the document does not explicitly detail the Foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, the focus on community partnerships and a continuum of care for a pressing public health issue strongly suggests an approach centered on collaborative action and sustainable, measurable impact within the local community. A total of $810,000 will be distributed in Fiscal Year 2024/2025, with individual awards up to $400,000, and grantees will have up to two years to expend funds, by June 30, 2026.