Despite recent declines in overdose deaths nationally, overdose rates continue to rise across a number of states, communities, and demographic groups — highlighting the need for targeted interventions in communities hardest hit by the opioid crisis. Opioid settlement funds, along with other state and federal funding streams intended to address the opioid crisis, provide state leaders with new opportunities to direct resources where they are needed most. Community-based organizations (CBOs) that are known and trusted within their communities are critical partners in providing these tailored services and supports that reduce risk factors for overdose.

Though CBOs play an imperative role in addressing a wide range of health and social needs at the community level, they often face systemic challenges in accessing state-administered funding. Informed by insights from a group of bipartisan state leaders, CBOs, and community engagement experts, this toolkit by the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) and Center for Addiction Research and Effective Solutions at the American Institutes for Research (AIR CARES) provides a menu of practical strategies that state opioid settlement administrators and other grant-making agencies are using to improve funding access for CBOs operating in or serving disproportionately affected communities. Within each strategy, the toolkit offers concrete examples and policy levers, as well as considerations and lessons learned that can support state leaders with implementation.