Mini Grants

The Mini Grant program is a vital funding mechanism of the Opioid Abatement Community Grant Program, awarding targeted investments ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to legal entities operating within the State of Delaware. Formally structured to lower traditional barriers to entry, this fund empowers small-scale, localized projects to deploy rapid, measurable interventions responding to the state's opioid crisis. Unlike larger funding streams, the Mini-Grant program features no two-year operational history requirement, making it accessible to emerging grass-roots organizations with deep community ties, as well as established organizations seeking supplemental resources to fill localized service gaps outside their primary funding streams.

Organizations applying for Mini Grant support must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

Eligible organizations are invited to submit applications for the Community Grants Program exclusively through our online portal in Bonfire.

In addition to completing all fields within the online Application Form, applicants must upload the following mandatory documents via Bonfire. Failure to provide required materials may result in disqualification.

To ensure absolute fairness, transparency, and consistency, the Commission utilizes a multi-phase evaluation framework. All review panels comprise Commission staff, Commission members, and community representatives with lived experience, all of whom are strictly screened for actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

Phase 1 | Initial Technical Review: Upon submission, applications undergo an administrative compliance screening to verify that all mandatory documentation is present and aligned with Exhibit E and OARS requirements. Applicants with missing materials will be formally notified and granted a strict one-week cure period to submit the required items; failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification.

Phase 2 | Evaluation and Standardized Scoring: Applications clearing the technical review proceed to formal evaluation under a standardized scoring rubric. Each proposal is independently evaluated by a minimum of three reviewers. Individual scores are averaged to establish a baseline. Major point variances or significant scoring discrepancies between panel reviewers are flagged for collaborative reconciliation.

Phase 3 | Priority Alignment and Portfolio Balancing: The Commission strongly encourages proposals that target high-need geographic areas (ZIP codes with the highest overdose rates) or high-risk demographics (such as reentrants or individuals experiencing housing insecurity). While extra points are not awarded, aligning with these priorities is heavily considered during our review. This approach allows us to build a balanced statewide portfolio that closes service gaps across prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services.

Final Decision & Approval: The full Commission will convene to cast final votes on funding recommendations based on verified evaluation scores and the strategic priorities of the current grant cycle. Following the evaluation period, the full Commission will vote on applications on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Grant recipients must submit regular data and performance milestones. This ensures fiscal accountability and quantifies community-level impact. Additionally, grantees are required to participate in regular check-ins and site visits with assigned Commission staff.

In alignment with the Commission's core mandate, these grants are strategically designed to empower organizations serving historically underrepresented, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. By deploying these resources, we seek to fill critical service gaps, complement existing statewide initiatives without supplanting them, and foster a highly coordinated, data-driven response to the opioid crisis. The Commission prioritizes innovative intervention models, proactive capacity building, and sustainable strategies capable of driving measurable, long-term change across Delaware.

We encourage you to review all application criteria thoroughly and provide detailed, data-supported narratives demonstrating your program's potential and alignment with our mission. Should you require technical support or guidance during the application window, access to our FAQ repositories, instructional webinars, and one-on-one technical assistance is readily available.

Thank you for your tireless dedication to combating the opioid epidemic and enhancing the health, recovery, and well-being of Delaware's communities. We look forward to evaluating your proposal and learning more about your impact.