The City of Knoxville is offering an Opioid Abatement Grant to support nonprofit organizations engaged in opioid remediation and prevention efforts for residents within the city. This funding is part of legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical distributors, which have allocated resources to states, counties, and cities to combat the opioid crisis. These settlement funds are specifically designated for opioid mitigation initiatives and must be used in accordance with the legal stipulations of the settlements. The City of Knoxville is making $300,000 available for the 2025-26 fiscal year to distribute as grants to eligible nonprofits.

The purpose of this grant is to provide financial support to organizations that are actively working to reduce opioid-related harm within the community. This includes, but is not limited to, prevention programs, harm reduction services, treatment initiatives, recovery support services, and outreach efforts. The funds are intended to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations that have experience and expertise in opioid-related interventions.

The total amount available for the 2025-26 fiscal year is $300,000, and these funds will be allocated on a competitive basis. Organizations can apply for a portion of this funding, but not all applications will necessarily be awarded funding, and some may receive only partial funding. The grant is for a one-time disbursement, and the funds must be utilized between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

To be eligible for this grant, organizations must be nonprofit entities that operate within the City of Knoxville. They must have been in operation for at least two years and must be currently registered as a charitable organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State. These criteria ensure that the funds are awarded to established and legally recognized organizations with a demonstrated commitment to opioid remediation.

The application process for this grant is highly competitive. Applications will be available starting on January 22, 2025, and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on February 21, 2025. All applications should be directed to Jennifer Searle in the Mayor's Office. Submissions may be subject to public inspection under the Tennessee Open Records Act.

For further details or inquiries, applicants can contact Jennifer Searle at 865-215-2267 or via email at JSearle@KnoxvilleTN.gov.