Application Deadline is Friday in Kent County for Grant Funding from Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement

Applications are open for Kent County local governments, nonprofits and community partners to apply for grant funding through the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission’s Local Government Grant Program. Kent County, Dover, Smyrna and Milford are eligible. For the 2026 cycle, $3.25-million is available statewide – for Kent County – there is $518,000 available for the County and its municipalities. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 24.

Additional information from Kent County:

This statewide initiative will distribute more than $30 million over the next 12 years to Delaware’s ten eligible subdivisions, including Kent County and the municipalities of Dover, Smyrna, and Milford.

The Commission’s February 19 announcement outlined the purpose of this funding stream: to support local governments implement and expand services that prevent overdoses, support treatment, strengthen long-term recovery, and reduce the harm caused by opioid use in Delaware communities. The program is guided by three statewide core priorities—equitable distribution, transparency and accountability, and long-term public health impact.

What This Means for Kent County
Kent County is accepting applications from eligible subdivisions and their community partners through April 24, 2026. County staff will review submissions for completeness and alignment with the Commission’s allowable uses. All eligible projects will be forwarded to the Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission for formal review and consideration.

Organizations interested in applying must first complete Kent County’s Public Interest Form. Submissions will be reviewed promptly, and organizations will be notified of their status within one week of the closing date. Selected organizations will then be invited to complete a formal, comprehensive application through the Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission’s (POSDC) private portal.

“Every community in Kent County has felt the weight of the opioid crisis,” said Kevin Sipple, Kent County Levy Court Administrator. “This funding provides a meaningful opportunity to strengthen prevention, expand treatment access, and support individuals and families on the path to recovery. Kent County is committed to working with our partners to advance strong, community-driven projects that deliver measurable results.”

For the 2026 cycle, $3.25 million is available statewide, of which $518,507.90 is available for Kent County and its municipalities. Applications must be submitted through the County web site https://www.kentcountyde.gov/Doing-Business-with-Kent-County/OARS-Grant. Projects that meet the settlement requirements and Delaware’s abatement strategies will be considered at the Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission’s March 23 and June meetings.

This initiative builds on the success of the Commission’s recent Round 3 competitive cycle, which awarded $14 million to 63 organizations statewide. To date, more than $29.5 million has been distributed across 142 grants, marking significant progress toward Delaware’s long-term abatement goals.

Kent County encourages all eligible applicants to review the program guidelines and begin preparing their proposals.

Apply or Learn More
For application details and updates, visit KentCountyDE.gov.
For statewide program information, visit deopioidsettlementfunds.org.