Background:

In August 2024, Mayor Brandon Scott signed an Executive Order (EO) establishing a framework for administering Baltimore’s Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) to ensure transparency, accountability, and community involvement in the use of the funds. The Executive Order outlines approved uses of these funds, including programs, services, and supports that address substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, including the social determinants of health, and that redress or prevent other harms caused by the opioid epidemic.

All grants must align with the City’s approved uses to address overdose and substance use disorder. These include prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and social determinants of health that redress or prevent other harm caused by the opioid epidemic.

The EO designates the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs (MORP) to coordinate fiscal management and oversight for all opioid restitution fund grantees and programs. As such, MORP serves as the lead contract administrator, managing and executing grants with the awardees. MORP also provides a comprehensive review of the administration of funds to ensure grantees are meeting the terms of the grant agreement, which includes reviewing expenditures and invoices compared to the approved budget. The goal of fiscal monitoring is to assess whether grantees are using funds responsibly and in compliance with the grant terms, conditions, and deadlines.

Opioid Restitution Fund Community Grant Opportunity

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

Proposals are Due on November 23 at 11:59 pm EST.

Note: See Appendix G below for application portal user guide.

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Instructions for Proposals for Funding for Baltimore City Opioid Restitution Community Grants Round 1 (Fiscal Year 2026) 

This document provides detailed instructions for organizations seeking funding through Baltimore City’s Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) Community Grants – Round 1 (Fiscal Year 2026). It outlines the background of the City’s opioid settlement recovery, the structure of the ORF and its oversight bodies, eligibility criteria, proposal and application requirements, evaluation process, funding tiers, and compliance expectations. The guide also includes key dates, allowable uses of funds, and links to required appendices and resources. It aims to assist eligible nonprofit organizations in preparing complete and compliant proposals and applications for ORF grant consideration. Below is a list of appendices that accompany this document.

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Appendix A: Opioid Restitution Fund Community Grant Unallowable Uses 

Appendix A for Instructions for Proposals for Funding document.

Appendix B: Opioid Restitution Fund Community Grant Proposal Questions 

Appendix B for Instructions for Proposals for Funding document.

Appendix C: Opioid Restitution Fund Community Grant Proposal Scoring Criteria 

Appendix C for Instructions for Proposals for Funding document.

Appendix D: Opioid Restitution Fund Community Grant Application Scoring Criteria 

Appendix D for Instructions for Proposals for Funding document.

Appendix E: Opioid Restitution Fund Grant Standard Performance Measures 

Appendix E for Instructions for Proposals for Funding document.

Appendix F: Opioid Restitution Fund Community Grant FAQ’s 

Appendix F for Instructions for Proposals for Funding document.

Appendix G: Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs Application Portal User Guide 

Appendix G for Instructions for Proposals for Funding document.

• TRAINING RECORDED - Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) Training: Proposal Orientation
  
  Get ready to learn all about the Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) Community Grant Opportunity with our recorded online training session! 

  The video below features the full Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) Community Grant Proposal Orientation, now available for on-demand viewing. In this session, the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs (MORP) and Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Overdose Response (BCMOOR) provide a complete overview of the ORF Community Grant process, including organizational eligibility, project requirements, key deadlines, and instructions for registering in the proposal system.

  Because this recording includes content from both training sessions, viewers will also benefit from two separate Question & Answer segments covering a wide range of applicant questions. These Q&As offer additional clarity on program expectations and common applicant concerns.

  Whether you’re preparing your first submission or refining a returning proposal, this video will help you navigate the process with confidence. Use it as a resource to guide your application and support your organization’s efforts in Baltimore’s continued response to the opioid crisis.

• Notice of Funding Opportunity for Baltimore City Opioid Restitution Funding - Round 1 (Fiscal Year 2026)  
  
  For this funding cycle, a total of $2 million is available for allocation. Proposed project funding amounts can be spread across a project period of up to two years. However, organizations that choose to use their full award within a single year are still eligible to apply for funding in the following year. The final number of awards will depend on the number of approved applications received for each tier and the total available funding. Funding amounts for each tier are outlined in the table below. Awarded amounts may differ from the organization’s proposed budget based on the scope of work and the amount of funding available.
  
   
• ORF RFP Press Announcement
  
  On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the launch of Baltimore’s Opioid Restitution Fund Community Grant process, with $2 million available for community organizations leading the fight against overdose. 
  
   
• ORF RFP Press Announcement Slide Deck
  
  Review the slide deck from the Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) Community Grant Proposal Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement on October 9, 2025. The deck includes background information, funding tiers, and a community grant timeline.
  
   

Opioid Restitution Fund Resources

• Baltimore City Overdose Needs Assessment Dashboard 
  
  This Baltimore City Overdose Needs Assessment Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of the overdose crisis, combining data on social determinants of health (SDOH), public wellness and safety, prevention efforts, treatment access, harm reduction, recovery, and resources to guide focused interventions and promote equitable health outcomes across Baltimore City.
  
   
• Overdose Response Strategic Plan 2025–2027 
  
  This Baltimore City Overdose Needs Assessment Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of the overdose crisis, combining data on social determinants of health (SDOH), public wellness and safety, prevention efforts, treatment access, harm reduction, recovery, and resources to guide focused interventions and promote equitable health outcomes across Baltimore City.

Opioid Restitution Fund Grant Policies & Procedures

• Financial Policies for Opioid Restitution Fund Grantees 
  
  This document outlines financial policies that ORF grantees must follow to remain in compliance with their grant agreements. Topics include financial reporting, indirect costs, staff time allocation, budget structure, expenditure sampling, and partial invoice payment. Policies are subject to periodic updates by MORP, with changes marked in each new version.

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