💊 Fort Wayne Invests in Hope: $1 Million in Grants to Tackle Opioid Crisis

Fort Wayne is taking bold action to fight the opioid and substance addiction crisis. Under the leadership of Mayor Sharon Tucker, the city has launched a new program that will distribute funds from the national opioid settlement, with payments scheduled through 2038.

To guide this effort, Mayor Tucker and the Fort Wayne City Council have created the National Opioid Settlement Committee, a seven-member team (four appointed by the Mayor and three by City Council) responsible for reviewing applications and recommending how funds should be allocated. Their mission goes beyond funding—they will also bring together community partners to address the causes of addiction and educate residents on solutions.

 

The first application window opened on September 2, 2025, and closes at midnight on October 2, 2025. The city plans to offer two grant application periods each year, with flexibility to adjust as the program evolves.

 

During this first round, Fort Wayne will award up to $1 million to local organizations committed to supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction. Recommendations from the committee will be delivered to Mayor Tucker by the end of October.

 

Mayor Tucker has emphasized that funded projects must be “people-focused”, prioritizing recovery, education, and quality of life improvements across the community.

 

A sample application is available online. For questions, contact Andrew Downs at 260-427-2625 or andrew.downs@cityoffortwayne.org.