Missoula Opens Applications for $1.1M in Opioid Settlement Grants

Missoula County and the City of Missoula are now accepting grant applications for programs focused on opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. The funding is available through the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust, which was established as part of a multi-state settlement with pharmaceutical companies and distributors over their role in the opioid crisis. While Missoula is facilitating local applications, the Trust manages the overall distribution of settlement funds to support opioid remediation efforts statewide.

The funding is open to organizations that provide services in one or more of the following areas:

Prevention Programs

• Evidence-based initiatives targeting school-age children and young adults
• Drug disposal programs, including syringe disposal
• Training for first responders
• Community anti-drug coalitions engaged in prevention efforts
• Public health entities, first responders, and schools providing naloxone or similar medications

Treatment Programs

• Evidence-based treatment following the American Society of Addiction Medicine continuum of care
• Mobile-based intervention, treatment, and recovery services
• Trauma-informed support for individuals affected by violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Comprehensive wraparound services for individuals with opioid use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions, including housing, transportation, education, job placement, job training, and childcare
• Full continuum of care for treatment and recovery, including supportive housing, peer support services, counseling, community navigators, case management, and connections to community-based services

Programs for People Involved in the Criminal Justice System

• Pretrial services connecting individuals with opioid use disorder to evidence-informed treatment, including medication-assisted treatment
• Support for treatment and recovery courts providing evidence-based options for individuals with opioid use disorder and co-occurring conditions

A local Missoula Metropolitan Abatement Region (MMAR) Committee, consisting of city and county elected officials and staff, has been tasked with determining funding priorities. Other abatement regions include Ravalli Metro, Flathead Metro, Gallatin Metro, Butte Silver Bow Metro and Yellowstone Metro.

MMAR has been allocated $1,121,268.53 from the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust as part of the National Opioid Settlement. While up to $750,000 per year is available for fiscal years 2026–2028, the MMAR Committee may also allocate up to $500,000 for one-time costs or distribute funds over multiple years at its discretion. The city and county said that priority will be given to established programs over new initiatives.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but organizations must apply by Sunday, May 18 to be considered for the first round of funding. The committee will begin reviewing applications in late May or early June, with funding announcements expected in late June or early July.

For application details and submission guidelines, visit the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust website.

The Montana Opioid Abatement Trust is dedicated to reducing the harm caused by opioid misuse and addiction across the state. The Trust’s mission is to support individuals and families affected by opioid addiction, promote community education and awareness, and collaborate with partners to implement evidence-based solutions that address the opioid epidemic in Montana.