The Latest Updates: July 2025

Written By Right Digital

Spotlighting Key Observances:

  • Honoring Foster Families: May was National Foster Care Month, and OneOhio was proud to recognize the dedication and compassion of foster families, social workers, and advocates who work tirelessly to support children and families in need. The Board and staff understand the critical role that foster care plays in providing stability and hope for children affected by addiction and other challenges. We use this special month – as throughout the year – to celebrate the resilience of foster families across Ohio and renew our commitment to supporting programs that strengthen families and create brighter futures for all children in our state.

  • Supporting Ohioans on the Path to Healing: June was Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of mental health care and the support systems that help those living with PTSD strengthen their lives. At OneOhio, we remain committed to supporting programs that provide vital services, from trauma-informed care to counseling and recovery support, ensuring Ohioans receive the help they need on their journey to healing and recovery.

  • Prioritizing Men’s Health: National Men’s Health Week, observed in June, served as a reminder for all of us to prioritize the physical and mental well-being of men. OneOhio is committed to supporting programs that address these critical health challenges to ensure that men across Ohio have access to the resources they need for healthier, more fulfilling lives.

  • Promoting Awareness and Mental Health Support in Minority Communities: In 2008, inspired by Bebe Moore Campbell’s passionate advocacy to end stigma and expand mental health resources for underserved and marginalized populations, the U.S. House of Representatives officially designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 3-Year Anniversary: July 16th marks three years since Ohio’s 988 lifeline was launched to support those in crisis and save lives. Learn more and download the 988 toolkit here.

Executive Director Update

As we enter the second half of 2025, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation continues our work to advance key initiatives to ensure that opioid settlement funds are used strategically, sustainably, and with maximum impact. Recent developments demonstrate the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and communities across the state in their prevention, treatment, and recovery journeys.

2024 Annual Report

I’m pleased to share that OneOhio has released its first annual report, offering a comprehensive look at the organization’s first full year of grantmaking and community engagement. The 2024 Annual Report showcases how opioid settlement funds are being deployed, while also spotlighting the Foundation’s commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities. Read the annual report here.

Key Board Actions

The OneOhio Recovery Foundation’s Board of Directors convened for its June meeting, where several key measures were approved to ensure the sustainable use of opioid settlement funds. Notably, the Board authorized exploring the creation of a term endowment model, designed to balance immediate needs with long-term strategic goals. This model will help invest a portion of Ohio’s opioid settlement funds to provide stable support for future grants, statewide initiatives, and the Foundation’s operating budget. This decision is seen as a significant step in advancing OneOhio’s mission to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts both now and in the years ahead.

What’s Ahead in 2025

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, the Foundation will allocate $40 million for regional grants in the next funding cycle.

The first grantee reporting window opened on July 1 and will remain open through the end of the month. Evaluation results from this grant cycle will be shared with the Board of Directors and regional partners later this year. At its June meeting, the Board approved the allocation of $40 million for Regional Grant Cycle #2. Additional details about this next funding opportunity will be shared in the coming months.

Warm regards,

Alisha Nelson
Executive Director
OneOhio Recovery Foundation

OneOhio Grantee Support

OneOhio continues to provide a wide-ranging collection of supports to organizations that have received grants. Many grantees participated in our recent Impact Academy on Sustainability Strategies to learn how to maximize the effective use of funds and understand OneOhio’s compliance requirements. A new webpage for grantees serves as a one-stop-shop for information and can be found here.

Grant Evaluation Updates

OneOhio is making every effort to help grantees understand and follow our evaluation and other requirements. Questions about technical assistance and other issues can be sent to Evaluation@oneohiofoundation.com. Office hours will begin daily on June 23rd and run through July 31st, and grantees can reserve 15- or 30-minute blocks of time to address questions. Appointments can be scheduled here.

Please note that July 31, 2025 is the deadline to submit mandatory reporting. Future grant payments are contingent upon reporting.

New Region Resources Page

The Region Resources page is a new addition to our website, created to support the 19 Regional Boards and regional volunteers across the state. This page provides important information to help regional volunteers fulfill their roles and will be updated regularly to ensure the most current resources are available. Visit: OneOhioFoundation.com/RegionResources to learn more.

OneOhio Mission Moment

Across the state, more than 300 volunteers partner with the Foundation to identify local priorities to support the most impactful forward-looking, evidence-based programming in each region. For many regional board members, the work is deeply personal. Below are just a few examples of why these volunteers dedicate their time and talents to advancing the organization’s life-saving work.

Meet the Team

Our OneOhio staff is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s mission, bringing diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to making Ohio a healthier place to live and thrive. In our new Meet the Team series, we’re excited to introduce the individuals behind our work - each playing a vital role in driving our mission forward. As they travel the state to meet with community partners, we hope this series helps you get to know them, their stories, and the impactful work they do each day to support those on the frontlines of the fight against addiction.

Laura Spires, Grants Manager

For Laura Spires, being part of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to help shape something that can change lives across Ohio. With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit world, she brings a deep understanding of how mission-driven organizations like OneOhio can create lasting impact. Read more here.

Grantee Spotlight

OneOhio leadership and Board members have been visiting communities across the state to highlight the positive impact of recent grant recipients. This includes the ribbon cutting of Brighter Beginnings in Trumbull County, a new sober living home for women and children, which was made possible by an $851,000 OneOhio grant; the opening of Samaritan Works recovery home in Shelby County, supporting individuals in early recovery; and the celebration of Talbert House’s new recovery housing in Cincinnati. Learn more about each of these organizations below:

Brighter Beginnings: Read More Here

Toledo City Council: Read More Here

Samaritan Works: Read More Here

Talbert House: Read More Here

OneOhio Leaders Tout the Foundation’s Achievements

OneOhio leaders and Board members recently shared their perspectives on the Foundation’s first grant cycle and its significant impact on local communities by authoring a series of opinion pieces in major Ohio newspapers. These highlight the transformative work being done across the state, from addressing addiction recovery to supporting local prevention and treatment programs. The op-eds have run in The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Zanesville Times Recorder, The Sidney Daily Times, The Toledo Blade, and The Clermont Sun and emphasize the importance of continued investment in evidence-based programs and services.

OneOhio at the Mental Health & Addiction Conference

OneOhio leadership recently participated in the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) Foundation’s 2025 Mental Health & Addiction Conference in Columbus and presented on key topics, including "Ohio’s Opioid Settlements: Building More Resilient Communities.” The team also hosted multiple sessions focused on maximizing the impact of OneOhio’s grant programs that provided valuable information on improving outcomes for Ohio’s mental health and addiction services.

Additional Grant Opportunities

As part of OneOhio’s ongoing commitment to supporting organizations across Ohio in the fight against substance use disorder, below is information on other relevant funding opportunities. While this is not a OneOhio-sponsored program, it may be of interest to many of our stakeholders.

  • AG Jail Grants

    The Ohio Attorney General’s office is offering grants aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with drug addiction in jails. These funds are intended to support programs that enhance treatment and recovery efforts for incarcerated individuals. Learn more about AG Jail Grants.

In Case You Missed It

The next OneOhio Recovery Foundation board meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, August 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Stay Informed

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Meet the Team: Laura Spires