The Kalamazoo County Opioid Remediation Mini Grants program is established to provide financial support to community-based projects and organizations that are actively addressing opioid use disorder. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Kalamazoo Board of Commissioners and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, which aims to allocate resources from opioid settlement funds effectively and swiftly. The program recognizes the urgent need for localized responses to the opioid crisis and seeks to fund initiatives that provide care, treatment, and other programs designed to mitigate the effects of opioid misuse and related disorders.

The primary purpose of the Kalamazoo County Opioid Remediation Mini Grants is to support existing programs that benefit residents of Kalamazoo County who are impacted by opioid use disorder. The funding is intended to enhance the capacity of organizations to address the misuse and abuse of opioids, provide treatment for those affected, and mitigate the broader impacts of the opioid epidemic. The program emphasizes the importance of expanding opioid-related services within the applicant organizations.

Funding for this grant program totals $231,250, with individual applicants able to request up to $30,000. The grant term is set for one year or less, and funds will be disbursed as a one-time lump sum payment at the beginning of the grant period. Partial awards may also be considered, allowing for flexibility in funding distribution based on the needs of the applicants.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, governmental agencies, educational institutions such as public schools and universities, and organizations with a fiscal sponsor that is in good standing with the IRS. It is essential that applicants are currently serving individuals affected by opioid use disorder and that their proposed work directly benefits residents of Kalamazoo County. The budget submitted must clearly outline how the funds will be used to expand existing opioid-related services.

Priority will be given to applications that address gaps and disparities in access to services, particularly for populations such as rural communities, individuals involved in the legal system, and those experiencing homelessness. Applicants demonstrating a clear strategy to fill urgent needs related to substance use, as well as those who include evaluation metrics and collaborative efforts with other organizations, will receive additional consideration.

The application process requires detailed responses to specific questions that assess the applicant's capacity to meet the program's objectives. Evaluation criteria will focus on the potential impact of the proposed project, the clarity of the budget, and the applicant's ability to measure success. The deadline for submitting applications is October 1, 2024, and interested parties are encouraged to review the guidelines thoroughly to ensure compliance with all requirements.

For further information, applicants can reach out to Lily Salas at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation via email or phone. This grant opportunity represents a significant chance for organizations in Kalamazoo County to secure funding aimed at combating the opioid crisis and supporting affected individuals in their communities.