Cass County, Minnesota has opened Round 2 of its Opioid Settlement Grant Application process as part of an initiative to remediate the impact of opioid use in the community. The effort is spearheaded by the Cass County Board of Commissioners in partnership with the Cass County Opioid Settlement Committee. Funding is now available for community-based organizations and partners including schools, healthcare providers, and treatment and recovery service providers.

The county is seeking proposals that will either establish new, sustainable programs or expand existing ones that address opioid remediation. Eligible strategies must align with the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision and Memorandum of Agreement. A total of $250,000 in funding is available for Round 2, divided into three specific categories: $100,000 is allocated for general prevention strategies, $50,000 is designated for cannabis and substance use education in Cass County School Districts, and $100,000 is reserved for treatment and other qualifying initiatives.

Applications will be competitively evaluated, and funding is capped at $50,000 per award. No matching funds are required for applicants. An essential part of the application process includes a presentation to the Cass County Opioid Committee, allowing applicants to explain their proposed project and how it aligns with the county's remediation goals.

The application deadline is April 18, 2025. However, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are fully allocated. Approved projects may begin as soon as they are authorized by the Cass County Board and must be completed by December 31, 2026.

All inquiries regarding the grant application process should be directed to Jamie Richter, Cass County Public Health Planner, who can be reached at jamie.richter@casscountymn.gov or by phone at 218-547-6833.