Jersey City Opens Grant Applications for Opioid Prevention Programs in Partnership with Local Nonprofits & Community Groups
Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Department of Health & Human Services Partnership for a HealthierJC announce the opening of the 2026 Opioid Settlement Fund Grant cycle.
The competitive program will provide funding for evidence-based initiatives focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and youth mental health programming as preventive measures against opioid use. Programs must also demonstrate a social equity lens, ensuring that services reach Jersey City residents who are most at risk.
Since its establishment in 2015, HealthierJC has allocated $4.5 million in grants and support to organizations that serve Jersey City residents. The 2026 grant cycle offers three funding tiers to support a wide range of projects:
• Short-term summer programs may apply for awards of up to $10,000 for initiatives running from July 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026.
• School-year programs are eligible for up to $30,000, supporting projects from January through mid-June 2026, with continuation from September through December of the same year.
• Year-long programming can receive up to $50,000, covering comprehensive initiatives operating between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
Applications must align with the state-mandated Schedule B, which governs all allowable uses of opioid settlement funds. The review process will be conducted by an independent committee using a rubric that evaluates curriculum quality, program design, accessibility, organizational capacity, staff qualifications, budget reasonableness, and measurable outcomes.
Mayor Fulop emphasizes the importance of these investments, which are designed to directly counter the devastating impact of opioids on families across Jersey City. “This is about saving lives and creating opportunities that keep our residents safe and supported. By redirecting these opioid settlement dollars to invest in prevention programs focused on our youth, mental health, and education, we are ensuring a stronger, healthier future for our community.”
Building on that commitment,
Stacey Flanagan, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, notes that prevention requires tackling the crisis at its source. “By empowering our HealthierJC partners to design programs that connect STEAM learning with mental health support, we are tackling the opioid crisis at its roots. These grants not only expand resources for youth wellness but also strengthen the capacity of our newer community organizations. Together, we are building a more equitable and resilient Jersey City.”
The grant cycle is also about giving organizations the tools to grow and meet urgent community needs.
Stephanie Daniels, Division Director of Community Relations & Social Services, explained that capacity-building is central to the city’s approach. “Through this grant cycle, we are strengthening the ability of local organizations to take on the opioid crisis in innovative ways. Through youth STEM and STEAM programs focusing on mental health support, these efforts are about building trust, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities that make Jersey City healthier and stronger.”
All applicants must be members of the Partnership for a HealthierJC, which ensures access to critical health initiatives, resources, and future grant opportunities. Funding will be issued on a quarterly reimbursement basis, consistent with standard city procedures.
Applications can be found online and are due by
December 1, 2025. For more information, application materials, and required documents, visit
healthierjc.com or email
[email protected].
About the Partnership for a HealthierJC
The Partnership for a HealthierJC is a citywide initiative dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting wellness in every neighborhood. By connecting community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and residents, the Partnership ensures that all Jersey City residents can live healthier lives.
All media inquiries should be directed to Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione at
[email protected].