The Williamson County Opioid Settlement Request for Proposals (RFP) provides funding opportunities aimed at addressing the opioid crisis in the region, focusing on abatement and remediation. These funds are sourced from national opioid lawsuit settlements and are allocated by the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council to Williamson County. The initiative seeks to fund programs that align with six core strategy areas: Primary Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment, Recovery Support, Education and Training, and Research and Evaluation. Eligible proposals must target specific activities approved by the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council.

The purpose of this RFP is to support organizations in addressing opioid-related harm within Williamson County by implementing evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies. The primary objective is to mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis by fostering local interventions that promote prevention, treatment, and recovery. Funded projects must directly benefit Williamson County residents and align with one or more of the six main strategy areas.

Funding is open to a range of entities, including for-profit organizations, nonprofit entities, and government agencies. Nonprofits must meet specific criteria, such as having a 501(c)(3) status, with no part of earnings benefiting private shareholders. All applicants must submit annual audits, a description of their program, and evidence of how the funds will be utilized. The maximum funding request is determined based on the nature of the project and available funds. Awards are reimbursement-based unless otherwise approved for upfront disbursements.

Proposals must include a comprehensive project summary, narrative, and budget. Key narrative elements should cover the target population, program design, evaluation plan, and organizational capacity. The proposal must adhere to formatting requirements, such as a five-page limit for narratives, and must follow guidance on SMART goals and allowable activities. Additional documentation, including financial reports and letters of support, is required depending on the organization type.

Applications are due by October 4th each year, with awards announced in November. The funding term begins January 1st and spans 12 months. The application process includes an optional online workshop, and proposals are submitted via email. Applications are scored based on criteria such as alignment with strategic goals, budget justification, and potential community impact.

The Williamson County Opioid Task Force evaluates proposals using a 100-point rubric, with scoring allocated across key sections such as project summary, narrative components, budget, and required attachments. Decisions are subject to approval by the County Board of Commissioners, and feedback on scores is provided to applicants.

Organizations seeking funding must ensure their proposals align with the RFP’s objectives and comply with all submission requirements. Specific activities eligible for funding are detailed in the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council’s remediation list, which is included as an appendix to the RFP. For more details or assistance, applicants can contact the Office of Prevention Science and Recovery at Middle Tennessee State University.