Lexington launches about $3M opioid abatement grants: apply by Aug. 7, 2026
Lexington KY – Applications are open for about $3M in opioid abatement grants in Fayette County. Proposal deadline is Aug. 7, 2026 at 2 p.m. EST.
Lexington is opening an opioid-abatement grant round for Fayette County nonprofits, with approximately $3 million set aside for evidence-based and community-focused work addressing opioid use disorder and overdose.
For many nonprofit leaders, the key is timing and eligibility. Applications are routed through a request for proposals (RFP) released via Ionwave at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and proposals are due by 2 p.m. EST on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. The city is also holding multiple applicant-assistance sessions in early July, including a pair of in-person grant-writing workshops.
What Lexington is launching: OACBI grant funding for opioid abatement
The funding comes through the city’s Opioid Abatement Community-Based Initiatives (OACBI) Grant Program, administered under LFUCG’s Substance Use Disorder Intervention (SUDI) program. The city describes the grant work as targeted toward initiatives that are evidence-based, evidence-informed, or innovative and that support efforts such as:
- opioid use disorder and treatment/recovery supports
- overdose prevention
- behavioral health services
- community stabilization over the long term
How much funding is available, and the two award types
Lexington’s announcement frames the total available funding as approximately $3 million from opioid abatement settlement resources. The city is offering two award categories:
- Micro Grants: up to $75,000 for one year
- Macro Grants: $75,001–$250,000 for two years
Both grant periods begin Dec. 1, 2026. The city’s program documents specify the end dates as Dec. 30, 2027 for Micro Grants and Dec. 30, 2028 for Macro Grants.
Who can apply (and what “eligible” means)
In general, eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that have a physical presence in Fayette County. If your organization meets that threshold, this grant round is designed to support operational and program initiatives that fit the city’s opioid-abatement focus.
How to apply: Ionwave RFP release and registration
Lexington says the OACBI RFP will be released through Ionwave. The city also says applicants must be registered with Ionwave to receive RFP notification and related access.
Proposal deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. EST on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. The assistance sessions below are intended to help applicants prepare—those dates are not the same as the submission deadline.
Key dates to calendar for applicant help
LFUCG is scheduling multiple ways for applicants to get questions answered before submitting an RFP response:
- Informational webinar: July 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. (Microsoft Teams)
- Technical assistance / Q&A: July 7, 2026 at 3 p.m. (Microsoft Teams)
- Technical assistance / Q&A: July 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. (Microsoft Teams)
- In-person grant writing workshop: July 9, 2026 at 2 p.m.
- In-person grant writing workshop: July 23, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Where the in-person workshops are held (and registration requirement)
The in-person grant writing workshops will be held at the Davis Park Workforce Center, 501 De Roode St., Lexington, KY 40508. Lexington’s program page and workshop registration materials indicate that registration is required for the in-person sessions.
For questions related to the opioid grant process, the city lists an applicant contact email: opioidgrants@lexingtonky.gov.
Why this round is happening now
Public-media reporting on the city’s opioid-settlement spending provides some context for why an application window is important in Fayette County. WUKY reported that at the time of its July 1, 2026 update, opioid-settlement funds were unspent, while city leaders said plans were coming together.
Quick checklist for Fayette County nonprofits
- Confirm you’re a 501(c)(3) with a physical presence in Fayette County.
- Make sure your organization is registered with Ionwave so you can access the RFP when it’s released.
- Attend (or watch for access, if offered) the webinar and Q&A sessions in early July.
- Register for the in-person workshops at Davis Park Workforce Center if you plan to attend.
- Mark your calendar: submit your proposal by Aug. 7, 2026 at 2 p.m. EST.
Sources
- City of Lexington press release: $3 million OACBI grant program (July 1, 2026)
- WUKY report: Lexington opioid settlement funds unspent at time of report; city plans forthcoming
- Grant Writing Workshop Registration form (Davis Park Workforce Center)
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