Cobb County has been significantly impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis, and the county has participated in litigation involving parties who may have contributed to the situation. These cases have resulted in settlement funds coming into the county.

On April 23, 2024, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution establishing the Cobb County Opioid Abatement Advisory Council ("Council"). The Council's primary role is to make informed recommendations to the Board of Commissioners regarding the effective allocation and management of the Settlement Funds to address the opioid crisis within our community.

The Council will help direct funds to qualified Cobb County organizations and nonprofits that propose programs involving treatment services, prevention programs, recovery support, or harm reduction.

Applications now open!

Submission deadline:  Friday, July 11, 2025

To be considered for funding, applicants must:

• Provide services or programs that directly benefit Cobb County residents.
• Hold a valid business license or maintain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for at least one year.
• Propose a project that aligns with the Cobb County Opioid Abatement Comprehensive Strategic Plan (2026-2029) and its funding priorities.

Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with the following funding priorities:

• Treatment Services (42% of funding) – Expanding access to evidence-based treatment, including Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), mobile treatment units, detox facilities, and telemedicine services.
• Prevention Programs (22%) – Implementing youth education initiatives, public awareness campaigns, physician training, and family-based prevention efforts.
• Recovery Support (21%) – Enhancing peer support programs, housing assistance, employment opportunities, and transportation resources for individuals in recovery.
• Harm Reduction (15%) – Increasing naloxone distribution, overdose prevention education, and access to fentanyl test strips.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed initiatives align with one or more of these priorities.

All applications will be evaluated using the following criteria, with a maximum possible score of 130 points:

1. Organizational Background and Qualifications (20 points)
   1. Mission Alignment (5 points): The organization’s mission and its alignment with opioid abatement efforts.
   2. Experience & Expertise (10 points): Relevant past experience and qualifications related to the proposed project.
   3. Key Personnel (5 points): Qualifications of staff and leadership, including an organizational chart.
2. Project Approach (60 points)
   1. Demonstrated Need (20 points): Clear evidence of the community’s need for the proposed services.
   2. Implementation Plan (20 points): Detailed methodology and approach for executing the project.
   3. Community Collaboration (10 points): Partnerships with other organizations to enhance service delivery.
   4. Project Timeline (10 points): Feasibility and appropriateness of the proposed timeline.
3. Potential Impact (30 points)
   1. Goals & Objectives (15 points): Clearly defined, measurable goals and objectives.
   2. Expected Outcomes (15 points): Anticipated impact and the plan for measuring success.
4. Budget (20 points)
   1. Budget Details (10 points): A line-item budget outlining how funds will be allocated.
   2. Budget Narrative (10 points): A justification for expenses, including staffing, travel, and supplies.

Applications with higher scores in these categories will receive priority consideration for funding.

Organizations selected for funding will be required to:

• Collaborate with community partners to strengthen opioid response efforts.
• Track & Report Outcomes to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
• Maintain Compliance with opioid settlement guidelines and funding restrictions.

As part of the application process, all applicants must submit a completed Budget/Financial Worksheet using the required template provided by Cobb County. This worksheet is a critical component of your application and is required to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of Opioid Abatement Settlement Funds.

Guidelines for Completion:

• Use the Required Template: Applicants must use the official Budget/Financial Worksheet template provided by Cobb County. No other formats will be accepted.
• Accuracy and Completeness Required: Missing or incorrect information may result in delays or the disqualification of your application.

Failure to upload a completed Budget/Financial Worksheet using the official template will result in an incomplete application and will not be considered for funding. 

Before you begin filling out your online application below, be sure to prepare/complete the following documentation and have it ready to upload:

• Documentation demonstrating relevant data or information that supports the opioid crisis in Cobb County including gaps in resources and population.
• Completed Grant Application Budget Worksheet.  
• All relevant documentation related to a recent financial audit your organization may have undergone.
• Documentation related to your policies related to procurement of contractors and payment of expenditures.
• Documentation related to being listed in System for Award Management (SAM) database if applicable. 

The Cobb County Opioid Abatement Advisory Council (COAAC) is dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction initiatives. Funded by national opioid settlement resources, COAAC partners with community organizations to implement evidence-based programs that reduce opioid-related harm, expand access to care, and support long-term recovery efforts in Cobb County.

For questions regarding the application process, eligibility, or funding priorities, please contact:

Cobb County Opioid Abatement Advisory Council

opioidabatement@cobbcounty.org