The RIZE Massachusetts Foundation is inviting applications for its 2025 Municipal Matching Grant, which aims to provide financial support to municipalities across Massachusetts. The total funding available for this program is $3,750,000, with $1,250,000 allocated for each of the years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The grants are designed to match municipal opioid settlement funds, encouraging cities and towns to implement best practices in addressing the opioid crisis. The program emphasizes collaboration among municipalities and community organizations, focusing on initiatives that have proven effective in saving lives and improving public health.

The primary purpose of the grant is to support municipalities in their efforts to combat the overdose crisis through various initiatives. Eligible projects must align with the Massachusetts State Sub-Division Agreement for Statewide Opioid Settlements and should promote non-punitive, health-centered approaches to substance use disorder. The funds can be utilized for a range of projects, including but not limited to opioid use disorder treatment, recovery housing programs, harm reduction strategies, and educational initiatives aimed at preventing opioid misuse.

Eligible applicants for the grant include local governments and nonprofit organizations that are actively engaged in addressing the opioid crisis. The program prioritizes applications from entities that serve diverse and historically underserved communities, particularly those with higher rates of opioid-related overdose deaths. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment from their municipality to earmark a matching portion of their opioid settlement funds for the proposed initiative. This commitment can be evidenced through a formal budget discussion or a signed letter from the mayor or city/town manager.

Submission requirements for the grant include proof of the municipality's commitment to matching funds, which may involve a joint application from multiple municipalities forming an Opioid Action Coalition (OAC). In such cases, one municipality must be designated as the lead applicant, and a joint letter signed by all participating municipalities must be submitted. Coalitions that have documented support for their initiatives from various cities or towns may also apply.

The evaluation of applications will be based on several criteria, including the alignment of proposed projects with the goals of the grant, the extent of community involvement in project development, and the potential impact on reducing opioid-related harms. The RIZE Massachusetts Foundation will assess the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed initiatives, as well as the collaborative efforts among municipalities and community organizations.

The application deadline for the 2025 Municipal Matching Grant is November 1, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals in advance and ensure that all required documentation is submitted by this date. The grant program is anticipated to open for applications in the coming months, and potential applicants should stay informed about any updates or changes to the application process.

For more information about the grant and to access the application, interested parties can visit the RIZE Massachusetts Foundation's website. This resource will provide further details on eligibility, submission guidelines, and any additional requirements necessary for a successful application.