The Penobscot County Commissioners Opioid Settlement Fund Committee has launched the first round of its Opioid Settlement Fund Grant Awards. This funding initiative aims to reduce opioid and substance use disorder (OUD/SUD)-related morbidity and mortality across Penobscot County, Maine. The fund supports the expansion and enhancement of local services through prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery-focused projects. Approximately $400,000 is available for disbursement in this first round for fiscal year 2026.
Applicants must be Maine-based organizations delivering services in Penobscot County. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit entities, public and private organizations, educational institutions, domestic faith-based and community-based organizations, and tribal organizations. However, preference is given to nonprofit organizations. Applicants are required to apply through a Google Form application portal and can download PDF and DOCX versions of the application to prepare responses offline. Final applications must be submitted via the online form.
Funding is divided into three tiers: Tier 1 offers grants up to $10,000, Tier 2 ranges from $10,000 to $25,000, and Tier 3 offers awards up to $49,999. A second round is expected to allow for larger requests exceeding the $49,999 limit. All funded projects must be completed within one year from the award date.
Applicants must demonstrate how their project aligns with one of four designated pillars: Harm Reduction, Treatment, Recovery, or Prevention. The application requires a narrative describing the project’s relevance to the opioid crisis, proposed outcomes, capacity for implementation, and sustainability beyond the grant term. Other components include detailed SMARTIE objectives, timelines, partnership roles, data collection strategies, and a budget narrative. Supporting documentation such as letters of commitment, IRS status letters, board member lists, and letters of support are required attachments.
The deadline for submission is November 15, 2025. Applicants may direct questions to Wendy Dana, the Grant Manager, at wdana@penobscot-county.net.
Preference to nonprofits; project must align with one of four strategic pillars; SMARTIE objectives expected; partners should submit commitment letters
