How does the Foundation determine the funding level for each grant cycle?

A key factor is the timing and delivery of opioid settlement and bankruptcy payments. They vary, with most payments made over several years and so the Foundation must consider the funds it will have available when it calculates the size of the grant cycle. Funds received but not yet allocated are invested, with earned interest applied to future grants and initiatives that advance prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

To ensure stable, long-term support for grants, statewide initiatives, and Foundation operations, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has approved the exploration of a term endowment model. This approach would invest a portion of settlement funds with the goal of spending them down over a defined period, balancing urgent needs with sustained impact.

If adopted, a term endowment funding mechanism would enable the Foundation to meet immediate priorities while addressing long-term needs across the state. It would also ensure that the original settlement funds, along with any interest and investment earnings, are deployed in a consistent, fiscally responsible, and transparent manner throughout the lifespan of the endowment.

The Foundation is committed to turning opioid settlement dollars into life-changing investments—saving lives, preventing addiction, and building stronger, more resilient communities, both today and into the future—and thoughtful management of these resources helps make that possible.

How was funding for Regional Grant Cycle #2 determined?

In June 2025, the Board of Directors authorized $40 million for Regional Grant Cycle 2. This amount was based on the funds the Foundation will have available and reinforces our ongoing commitment to working with local partners and grantees to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and community resilience across our state by supporting targeted, evidence-based investments.

How is grant funding divided up across the 19 OneOhio Regions?

In August 2025, the Board approved the Regional Grant Cycle 2 budget, which set allocations for each of the 19 Regions. Allocations follow the legal settlement formulas, with unused funds from Cycle 1 carried forward into Cycle 2. With the Cycle 1 carryover funds included, the total budget for Regional Grant Cycle 2 is $45,780,885 – roughly $300,000 more than what was awarded in the first grant round. The approved Regional Grant Cycle 2 budget is available  here.

Will the upcoming grant cycle include a pre-registration process?

No. Our team has worked hard to streamline the grant process, and all required applicant information will be collected during the funding inquiry stage.

How long must an organization be in operation to be eligible?

Eligible organizations must have been registered under their current EIN with the Ohio Secretary of State for two consecutive years.

If unique circumstances affect an organization’s ability to meet the two-year registration requirement, applicants may explain this in the funding inquiry. Such cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Can out of state organizations apply?

Yes. Out of state organizations may apply if they are currently operating in Ohio, are properly registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, and meet all other eligibility requirements in the RFP.

Out of state entities may also apply as partners to an Ohio based lead applicant.

Is the funding limited only to opioid use disorder (OUD)?

No. Regional Grant Cycle 2 is not limited to OUD. Grant activities must directly serve:

• Individuals with any substance use disorder (SUD), including co occurring mental health conditions, or

• Individuals affected by a family member’s substance use disorder, including co occurring mental health conditions.

This includes alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and other substances.

Does it matter where an organization is headquartered?

No. Applicants may submit funding inquiries in regions outside of their headquarters location. However, organizations may apply to multiple regions only if the proposed activities directly serve residents of those regions.

Additionally, organizations that wish to apply to multiple regions must:

• Submit a separate Funding Inquiry for each region request; and,

• Ensure each proposal aligns with the respective region’s identified funding priorities, where applicable.
  

Can organizations receive guidance about specific budget items or expenses?

In order to maintain fairness in the competitive grant process, Foundation staff cannot provide project specific budget guidance.

The RFP states the following:

• Allowable program costs are expenses directly related to implementing the proposed abatement strategy and would not exist if the program ended.

• Applicants should carefully review the unallowable costs list found on page 15 of the RFP.