Kentucky Opioid Abatement - Research Innovation

The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC), operating through the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, is issuing a funding opportunity focused on research and innovation in addressing the opioid epidemic. Established in 2022, the Commission manages the Commonwealth’s portion of opioid litigation settlement funds. This program seeks to support scientific inquiry and the development of novel interventions that can enhance prevention, treatment, or harm reduction efforts related to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), including co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit organizations registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State, as well as governmental and quasi-governmental entities. The primary focus is on research or practice innovation aimed at populations affected by or at risk of OUD, polysubstance use, mental illness, or opioid-involved overdoses. Projects must be conducted primarily within Kentucky. Collaborative submissions are permitted, but one entity must serve as the fiscal agent. Proposals must demonstrate the significance of the research, a clear scientific rationale, methodological rigor, feasibility, qualified personnel, and access to necessary institutional resources. Applicants are expected to present a sound budget and demonstrate how their project can be sustained over time. Supplanting existing funding is prohibited. Priority will be given to proposals that outline a compelling approach with potential for high-impact, reproducible results and sustained implementation. Up to $5,000,000 will be distributed under this opportunity, either through a single large grant or multiple smaller ones. Applicants may submit a budget covering 12 to 36 months. There is no matching requirement, though the disclosure of additional or complementary funding is encouraged to demonstrate sustainability. Disallowed costs include land acquisition, construction, permits, and vehicle purchases. Projects must begin no later than 90 days after contract execution, which is scheduled for July 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Intelligrants (IGX) system, with the portal opening on July 1, 2025, and closing at 6 p.m. EST on December 19, 2025. Proposals will first be screened for eligibility and completeness, then evaluated by Commission members and technical experts. Final funding decisions will be made by majority vote of the Commission’s members, and award notices are expected in March or April 2026.

Emphasize rigorous methods, feasibility, and alignment with scientific priorities; highlight staff qualifications and institutional capacity; avoid supplanting.