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FAQ - 2026 Opioid Grant

What organizations are eligible to apply?

  • Non-profit organizations in good standing, that serve youth who live in Jersey City
  • Past HealthierJC grantees in good standing
  • Applicants must become a HealthierJC Partner prior to applying for any HealthierJC grant

NOTE: If your organization is already receiving Opioid Funding for 2026 from JerseyCity, you are not eligible for this grant.

What types of programming will be funded?

  • The 2026 Opioid funding is for Jersey City organizations that serving kids in Jersey City that create programming for youth, ages 8-24.
  • Programs will prevent opioid misuse, improve mental health, and strengthen resilience and protective factors among young people in Jersey City through STEAM and STEM +Mental Health for youth.
  • Programs must use evidence-based strategies, aligning with mandated New Jersey state guidelines, called Schedule B.

What is Schedule B, and why is alignment required?

  • Schedule B refers to all the different kinds of programing that can be funded with the State of New Jersey’s Opioid Settlement funds.
  • All grant applicants must align programs with at least one of the listed categories to qualify for the grant.

Link to Schedule B

What are the grant tiers?

There are three (3) grant tiers. Applicants may only select one.

  • $50,000Full-Year Grant (12 months)
  • $10,000Summer Grant (2 months, July-August)
  • $30,000School-Year Grant (9 months, January -May / September-December)

What is the payment schedule?

The payment schedule varies depending upon the grant tier. Funds will be reimbursed only after the required report and invoice are submitted.

  • $50,000 Full-Year Grant – 4 times, once after each 3-month grant activity period (quarterly)
  • $10,000 Summer Grant - 1 time after the 2-month grant activity period
  • $30,000 School-Year Grant – 3 times, once after each 3-month grant activity period(excludes summer)

What does it mean that funds will be reimbursed?

  • Grantees do not receive payment for programs up front but are paid back only after programming period is complete.
  • To receive payment, grantee must have successfully completed the proposed work, submitted a report, an invoice and documentary photos.  

How will grant proposals be graded?

  • All applications will be evaluated using a rubric.
  • A rubric outlines specific criteria, each to be assessed with a number score.
  • An independent evaluation team will assess each submission based on the rubric criteria.
  • Applications will be assessed in funding tiers to ensure fair comparison among similar program size and duration.

Why do we use a rubric to evaluate applications?

Most government grants are evaluated on a rubric to ensure:

  • Consistency—all applications are judged in the same way
  • Fairness and objectivity— to minimize bias in reviewing
  • Accountability—reviewers cannot ignore a response
  • Clarity—expectations are set for reviewers and applicants

What are the reporting requirements?

Grantees are required to submit regular reports before program reimbursement will be made. Reports must align with the state Schedule B (download or view HERE). Grantees will be given a reporting form.

  • Year-long grant - 4 quarterly reports and final report
  • School-year grants- 3 reports and final report
  • Summer grant – 1 mid-program report and final report

Unannounced or scheduled site visits may be made by staff

Why must program participants fill out a HUD form?

‍(for $30k School Year and $50k Full Year grants only)

  • To reach the population most affected by the Opioid crisis, the grant will use HUD income guidelines.
  • The form helps us to identify and document the population being served without bias.
  • Each Full Year or School Year grantee is required to collect the information from their program participants and submit the forms.
  • To respect privacy, we do not require full names or street numbers. We do require first names and zip codes.

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What is "evidence-based" programming?

  • Digital Strategies Web-based and mobile interventions, such as text messaging programs
  • Culturally-Based and Informed Programs
  • Arts Program
  • Exercise and Mindfulness Adjunctive activities like exercise, yoga, and mindfulness

For more information: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2916744/

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