The City of Northampton is offering Opioid Settlement Fund Mini-Grants to support community-based efforts that prevent opioid misuse, reduce overdose risk, expand access to treatment, and support recovery for residents of Northampton, as well as those who receive services in the City. These strategies should be evidence-informed and align with the MA State Subdivision Agreement.
The City is committed to advancing health equity in its opioid response. The opioid crisis has disproportionately impacted communities facing systemic barriers to care, including people of color, individuals experiencing homelessness, justice-involved individuals, and those with limited access to healthcare. Funding will prioritize projects that intentionally reduce these disparities and center the voices of those most affected.
Funding Overview:
- Grant Amounts: Up to $10,000
- Grant Deadline: First round grants will be considered for applications received by May 15th. Rolling applications will be considered after that time, as budget allows.
- Grant Period: Grant funds should be used within one year of grant award. Awards are anticipated to be announced and distributed in June 2026.
Eligible Applicants:
- Nonprofit (501(c)(3)) and community-based organizations
- Health and behavioral health providers
- Recovery and peer-led organizations
Projects must serve City of Northampton residents and/or those who receive services in Northampton.Allowable Uses of Funds:
Projects must address opioid-related harm through one or more of the following:
- Prevention: Evidence-based education, restorative practices, school partnerships, youth wellness
- Harm Reduction: Naloxone distribution, overdose prevention, peer outreach, drug testing
- Treatment Access: Peer navigation, referrals, post-overdose follow-up, transportation
- Recovery Support: Peer support, family services, recovery groups, job placement, housing
Programs should be low-barrier, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible to priority populations. Additional approved examples can be found in the MA State Subdivision Agreement.
Ineligible Uses of Funds include: Law enforcement equipment or suppression activities; General operating expenses unrelated to opioid response; Lobbying or political activity; Capital construction (unless explicitly approved); and services not connected to opioid-related impact.
Opioid settlement funds are intended to support direct responses to the harms caused by the opioid overdose crisis. To ensure these resources are used as effectively as possible and aligned with their intended purpose, mini-grant funds may not be used for indirect costs or organizational overhead. All requested funds must support direct program activities, services, or personnel that have a clear and direct benefit for individuals and communities most impacted. This approach promotes responsible stewardship of settlement funds and prioritizes measurable, on-the-ground impact.