JUNE 11, 2025 - OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND BOARD HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING
The Board of Directors of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation—Ohio’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit responsible for overseeing the distribution of 55% of the state’s opioid settlement funds—convened today for its June meeting. During the session, the Board approved measures designed to ensure the sustainable and impactful use of settlement funds for years to come.
Following a joint presentation on aligning short- and long-term strategies by OneOhio Executive Director Alisha Nelson and David Kaplan of Panoramic Strategy, the Board voted to explore a term endowment for the Foundation. This strategic funding model would invest a portion of Ohio’s opioid settlement funds, with the goal of spending down both the principal and earnings over a yet-to-be-determined period. A term endowment is intended to provide stable support for grants, statewide initiatives, and the Foundation’s operating budget in the years ahead.
“More than a financial milestone, establishing a term endowment model would advance our core mission of saving lives—both today and for years to come,” said Executive Director Alisha Nelson. “Today’s action reflects OneOhio’s unwavering commitment to both immediate action and long-term strategic vision to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts statewide.”
A term endowment funding mechanism would enable the Foundation to balance immediate priorities with long-term needs across the state. The endowment would also ensure the original funds, plus any interest and earnings, are deployed in a consistent, fiscally responsible, and transparent manner over the full lifespan of the endowment.
Board Chair Don Mason added, “Today’s action is the result of months of thoughtful discussion, and I commend our Board members for their foresight and dedication to securing a sustainable future for this Foundation.”
Additionally, the Board authorized $40 million to be allocated for regional grants in the next funding round. Additional details about the upcoming grant cycle will be announced in the coming months.
In other business, Board members:
Received a report from Audit & Finance Committee Chair Evan Kleymeyer, which included an update on the 2024 audit process and approval of the unaudited April financial statements.
Received a report from Personnel Committee Chair Julie Ehemann on ongoing efforts to finalize the employee handbook and other staffing updates.
Received a report from Investment Committee Chair Jim White on the ongoing investment RFP process and related planning.
Received a report from Grant Oversight Committee Chair Tom Gregoire on the upcoming grantee reporting window, which opens July 1. Following evaluation, results will be presented to regional partners and the full Board of Directors.
Received a report from Executive Committee Chair Don Mason, which included an update on efforts to revise the Foundation’s Code of Regulations to reflect organizational changes, including the attainment of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Proposed changes will be presented at a future board meeting.
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors’ next meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m.
