Date: July 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erika Whitehead
269.585.7251
Kalamazoo Community Foundation selected to distribute $1.5 million in opioid remediation grants to local nonprofits
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) will distribute $1.5 million in opioid settlement funds to local nonprofits over the next three years. In partnership with Kalamazoo County Government, KZCF is directing these funds to support treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and prevention services for residents affected by opioid use disorder.
These grants are funded through national opioid settlements involving pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Both the State of Michigan and local governments – Including Kalamazoo County – are direct participants in these settlements and receive separate allocations. The State of Michigan is expected to receive nearly $800 million over 18 years. In addition, Kalamazoo County is projected to receive approximately $14.6 million directly over the same period.
“The opioid epidemic has deeply impacted the Kalamazoo community, and it’s critical that funds reach those most affected,” said Lily Salas, senior community impact officer. “By investing in organizations that provide treatment, prevention, harm reduction and recovery services, we support the people and programs that strengthen our community.”
A total of $468,540 is available for the 2026 grant period (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026). Funding will be available in both annual and multi-year (up to three-year) formats. Applications open Aug. 13, 2025, and are due by Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Eligible organizations may apply for funding to support services and programs that align with evidence-based opioid remediation strategies. These may include harm reduction, recovery support, treatment, or efforts to address root causes and social determinants of health that contribute to opioid use.
Priority will be given to proposals that clearly demonstrate how they address urgent local needs related to opioid use, include measurable evaluation outcomes, foster collaboration across sectors, and serve communities with disparities in access to care. Grants will be awarded through KZCF’s standard grantmaking process, with award announcements beginning in fall 2025.
“These dollars present an opportunity to collaborate with trusted community partners to address the opioid epidemic where it’s felt most,” said Jen Strebs, chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. “By continuing our partnership with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, we’re ensuring these resources reach the organizations rooted in our neighborhoods – those already doing the hard, often unseen work of helping people recover, rebuild, and thrive.”
This latest decision by the Kalamazoo County Government to partner with KZCF comes after a successful first year of partnership in 2024. Last year, $250,000 in remediation mini grants were awarded to 11 local organizations, including nine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, one governmental agency and one educational institution.
For full application details, eligibility requirements, and timeline updates, please visit kzcf.org/funds-in-motion/opioid-remediation-grants/.
About Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Kalamazoo Community Foundation, established in 1925, envisions Kalamazoo County being the most equitable place to live. The mission of the organization, which is to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County informs all funding commitments, community partnerships and projects. Learn more at kzcf.org or connect with us on social media (@kalfound).
###