Opioid Settlement Fund Mini-Grants

Funding Local Solutions to the Opioid Crisis

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.

Upcoming Information Session

The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will host a virtual informational session to provide an overview of the Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) mini-grant program, review application requirements, and answer questions.
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM
Location: Zoom (link below)
A recording of the session will be made available for those unable to attend live.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88494997815?pwd=I73cvScvd8daerDpl6mMzwEvCgangd.1

For questions or technical assistance, please contact Taylor McDonough, Director of Prevention, at tmcdonough@northamptonma.gov.


Funding Overview

Grant Amounts

  • The Maximum amount awarded for an individual grant will be $10,000.
  • The City of Northampton will be distributing $120,000 in the first round of OSF mini grants.

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.

Who Can Apply

Eligible Applicants Include:

  • 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.

Directions to Submit

Grant applications are available online and in person.  Paper copies can be picked up at the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) main office, located at 210 Main Street, Northampton. If you need assistance accessing or completing an application, please call 413-587-1214 and staff will be available to help.

Proposals for OSF Mini-Grant applications may be submitted online using the link provided below:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8718889/NorthamptonOSFMiniGrant

Applicants are encouraged to work on responses in advance before submitting. To view the questions before submitting, or if you would prefer to submit a PDF version, you can access a fillable application document here. 

If using PDF format for submittal, this can be provided by either email, mail, or hand-delivering the application by the mini-grant deadline. 

  • Downloadable PDF for email or paper submission can be sent as follows:
    • Email to Taylor McDonough, Director of Substance Use Prevention, tmdonough@northamptonma.gov
      with Subject Line: CoN OSF Mini Grant Application and include agency/organization name
    • If sending a paper copy via US mail or in-person delivery:
      Department of Health and Human Services
      212 Main St. Northampton, MA 01040

Frequently Asked Questions

Scoring Rubric

The City will use a standardized scoring rubric to review OSF Mini-Grant applications ensuring a fair and consistent evaluation process. This approach also ensures that funding recommendations are aligned with opioid settlement priorities, community need, and equity goals. A copy can be viewed here.