September 16, 2026 |City of Lynn, Health & Wellness, News, Resources

City of Lynn’s Opioid Working Group Opens Applications for Funding to Support Organizations Serving Lynn Residents Affected by Substance Use Disorder

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From the City of Lynn: The City of Lynn’s Opioid Working Group (OWG) is accepting applications for funding through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Through this opportunity, the City is making up to $100,000 available to support initiatives that supplement and strengthen resources for organizations serving Lynn residents affected by substance use disorder (SUD).

Funded projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with the City’s commitment to public health and equity. For the purposes of this grant, polysubstance use refers to the consumption of more than one substance. The OWG is particularly interested in proposals that address one or more of the following areas:

1. Strengthening Community Well-Being of Downtown area

Proposals should support innovative, evidence-informed strategies that enhance community well-being, increase engagement and improve the quality of life in downtown Lynn by addressing the impacts of polysubstance use. Projects should demonstrate measurable progress within a 12-month period, including at least one of the following:

• Increased Service Access
• Public Space Enhancement
• Reduction of Public Intoxication
• Community Safety
• Cross-Sector Partnerships

2. BIPOC-Led Organizations

Consideration will be given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) focused organizations that are advancing culturally responsive and community-driven solutions to substance use disorder.

3. Youth-Focused Initiatives

The OWG is interested in innovative approaches that support youth prevention and engagement, including initiatives focused on Skill-building and workforce readiness: practical life skills and career preparation strategies (e.g., driver’s license acquisition, job readiness training)

Performance Measurements and Data Collection Requirements:

Applicants must clearly define anticipated targets and explain their methodology for tracking and evaluating success.

1. Target Outcome and Metrics

Proposals must state specific, quantifiable targets. Key performance indicators may include, but are not limited to:

1. Service Connections
2. Engagement and Outreach
3. Skill acquisitions
4. Community Environment

2. Demographic Data Collection

To ensure service delivery throughout the city, grant recipients will be required to report baseline demographic data for all individuals served by the funded project.

Eligibility Criteria & Guidelines

• Geography and impact: Organizations must be located in Lynn or demonstrate that at least 51 percent of the individuals served by proposed project are Lynn residents.
• Prior Grant recipient restriction: Organizations that have previously received OWG funding are not eligible to reapply until the following funding cycle.
• Applications are open through September 30. 

“We are very pleased with what the Opioid Working Group has accomplished to this point and are excited for that work to continue through this funding. We want to support innovative approaches to combating the opioid crisis and build on the positive results shown thus far.”

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson

In 2025, Lynn experienced a 54-percent decrease in fatal overdoses among Lynn residents. As of June 2026, the City has seen an 85-percent decrease in fatal overdoses, demonstrating substantial progress in the community’s ongoing efforts to prevent overdose deaths and address substance use.

“We are excited for this initiative to continue to be available for organizations that may not have been traditionally eligible for funds and who provide opportunities for programs to expand the services they provide to a larger demographic,” said Candice McClory, SUD Coordinator and Community Liaison for the City.