National Opioid Settlement Grant Program

The National Opioid Settlement Grant Program was established by Mayor Sharon Tucker, in collaboration with the City Council, to allocate the City of Fort Wayne’s share of national opioid settlement funds in a strategic and impactful way. The funding, available through 2038, will support initiatives aimed at addressing and mitigating the effects of the opioid crisis within the community. To administer this process, the City formed the National Opioid Settlement Committee, which is responsible for recommending how funds should be distributed in alignment with public health priorities. The first grant cycle opens on September 2, 2025, and closes on October 3, 2025. Mayor Tucker emphasized the urgency of allocating resources quickly and effectively, encouraging eligible applicants to prepare and submit proposals promptly once the application portal opens. The grant program is intended to provide direct financial support for organizations and entities whose work aligns with the goals of opioid misuse prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. A maximum award of $100,000 is available per applicant. All organizations must follow the proposal submission instructions provided by the City. While specific application materials were not detailed in the announcement, applicants are advised to review the required information carefully and be ready to submit a complete and timely proposal. The program does not currently specify matching fund requirements or program recurrence. Eligibility is broad and includes local governments, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, school districts, private sector entities, consortia, Native American tribes, and other qualified groups. The grant committee is expected to evaluate proposals based on alignment with the opioid response strategy and community impact. Questions and inquiries regarding the grant program should be directed to Andrew Downs, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, at andrew.downs@cityoffortwayne.org or 260-427-2625. He serves as the main point of contact for the Mayor’s Office and can provide clarification on eligibility, process, and proposal requirements.

Be prepared to submit proposals immediately upon portal opening; gather all requested information in advance.