Baltimore Launches Grant Program for Opioid Crisis Initiatives

BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore City is opening applications for a significant grant program aimed at combating the opioid crisis. Announced by Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Opioid Restitution Fund will make $2 million available in Fiscal Year 2026 to support community-based organizations working on overdose prevention and recovery. The initiative is designed to channel funds obtained from legal actions against pharmaceutical companies directly to organizations on the front lines of addressing the crisis within the city.

The application process for these grants will officially begin on October 23, 2025, with the release of the full Request for Proposals (RFP) and submission portal on arp.baltimorecity.gov/orf. To assist potential applicants, two informational orientations will be held virtually. The first is scheduled for October 27 at 10:00 A.M. ET, and the second for October 28 at 6:00 P.M. ET. Interested organizations are encouraged to attend these sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the application requirements.

The grants are structured into three tiers, each with a maximum funding amount and specific focus areas. Tier 3 grants, offering up to $500,000, are intended to expand the availability of low-barrier mobile treatment services, particularly in underserved areas disproportionately affected by overdoses. These grants must incorporate robust harm reduction services. Tier 2 grants, with a maximum of $250,000, will support increased access to a broad spectrum of low-barrier harm reduction services, including but not limited to naloxone distribution, drug checking, syringe service programs, and wound care. Similar to Tier 3, Tier 2 funding mandates the inclusion of comprehensive harm reduction strategies. The smallest grant tier, Tier 1, offers up to $50,000 and will focus on enhancing access to low-barrier social support services for individuals who use drugs and those with substance use disorders. These services can include assistance with housing, transportation, food, education, and employment.

The Opioid Restitution Fund was established through an executive order by Mayor Scott on August 29, 2024. The process for awarding these community grants is competitive, guided by an RFP developed by the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Overdose Response and the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs. Support for the initiative comes from the Restitution Advisory Board, a diverse group comprised of Baltimore City residents with lived experience, service providers, public health experts, and city and state officials. This board plays a crucial role in advising on the fund’s utilization and making recommendations for grant recipients.

Initial proposals for projects are due on November 23, 2025. Organizations that are invited to submit full applications will then have until January 23, 2026, to finalize and submit their detailed proposals. This phased approach allows for a thorough review and refinement of project plans before the final submission. The city aims to use these funds as part of a broader strategy to reduce fatal overdoses, with a stated goal of a 40% reduction by 2040. Information on the city’s ongoing efforts and the use of opioid restitution funds is available through designated channels.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the Mayor of Baltimore

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