In a recent City Council meeting, the City of St. Petersburg approved a program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations in their efforts to combat the opioid crisis. The city has allocated $1,000,000 for the Opioid Support Grants Program, which offers funding through small grants up to $25,000 and large grants up to $100,000.
The initiative aims to address resource or service gaps within the community by funding new and innovative proposals not already supported by existing sources. “With this opportunity, the City seeks to fill resource or service gaps that exist in the community,” stated an official release from the city.
Priority will be given to proposals focusing on respite housing, harm reduction, and peer support. The categories for impact areas include Treatment and Recovery Support Services, Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction, and Substance Use Prevention & Education.
Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for two types of funding tiers: Organizational Support Grants and Program Grants. These funds can be used for operating costs or specific program-related expenses that directly advance treatment services and overdose prevention initiatives.
Applications are open until October 20, 2024. Details about grant eligibility criteria can be found at stpete.org/OSG.
This funding comes as part of a broader strategy following several lawsuits against prescription opiate manufacturers under the National Prescription Opiate Litigation umbrella. The State of Florida’s agreement ensures settlement dollars are directed towards opioid abatement efforts. The City of St. Petersburg is set to receive approximately $6 million over 18 years from these settlements.
