Delaware launches $13M grant round to combat opioid crisis

The Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission (POSDC) has opened applications for its third round of grant funding, announcing approximately $13 million in available funds to support initiatives tackling the state’s ongoing opioid crisis.

The funding is aimed at empowering local organizations to launch or expand programs focused on addiction recovery, prevention, and support for those impacted by opioid use disorder.

The grants are part of Delaware’s broader effort to use opioid settlement dollars to address the public health emergency caused by the nationwide epidemic.

“This grant funding offers a critical opportunity to provide real help to individuals, families, and communities struggling with the devastating effects of opioid addiction,” said Joanna Champney, co-chair of the POSDC. “We are committed to supporting programs that promote healing through evidence-based solutions and measurable outcomes.”

Attorney General Kathy Jennings, who also serves as co-chair of the commission, emphasized the importance of using funds recovered from pharmaceutical companies to drive meaningful change.

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“This work is close to my heart,” Jennings, co-chair of the POSDC, said. “We at the Department of Justice have been fighting tooth and nail, often punching above our weight, to hold Big Pharma accountable for the devastation they have caused in Delaware. And we have had some big wins, bringing back millions of precious dollars to fund treatment and abatement of the opioid crisis in our state.”

Grants from opioid settlement

Three types of grants are available:

1. Micro-Grants (up to $10,000): For rapid-response projects, particularly from smaller or community-based organizations.
2. Mini-Grants ($10,000–$30,000): For more structured projects targeting specific outcomes.
3. General Grants ($30,000 and up): For larger, long-term programs with established infrastructure and a proven track record.

“We are seeing some real progress with a staggering reduction in the epidemic’s death toll over the last year thanks to the many fantastic people and organizations, the commission included, dedicated to this vital work,” Jennings said. “Yet, there is still so much to be done. Now is the time to dig in and double down, and I trust that this round of grant funding will give us that edge to keep pushing forward.”

Applications opened on April 21. A series of informational webinars for prospective applicants will be held on April 28, May 5, and May 12. The application deadline is May 19.

For details on eligibility, funding priorities, and to access the webinars, click here.