Initial Opportunity Grant

Our goal is to support initiatives that align with our mission to combat the opioid crisis in West Virginia through evidence-based strategies and community-driven solutions.

WVFF Initial Opportunity Grantees List

Thank you for your interest in the Initial Opportunity Grants. Submissions were due on October 5, 2024 by 11:59PM EST and are no longer being accepted. All applicants were notified of status on December 23, 2024. See below for more information on the Supplemental Round that was announced on December 12, 2024.

What Can These Funds Be Used For?


The Foundation has allocated a budget of $19,200,000 for the 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants. Each region will receive $800,000 per Target Area, with up to four awards per Target Area per Region.

Applicants can apply for up to $800,000 in total across all Target Areas. The Foundation may award less than the amount requested by an applicant, and applicants must apply for a minimum amount to be considered.

Target Areas


The 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants focus on four key target areas. These areas have been identified as critical in the fight against the opioid crisis and are prioritized for funding:

Diversion Programs and Interdiction Programs:

  • Examples include LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion), CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams), QRTs (Quick Response Teams), Police and Peers programs, Day Report Centers, etc.
  • These programs aim to divert individuals from the criminal justice system and provide them with the necessary support and treatment.

Youth Prevention and Workforce Development:

  • Initiatives that focus on preventing substance use among youth and developing workforce skills.
  • Programs may include educational campaigns, school-based prevention programs, and job training initiatives.

Child Advocacy Centers/PPW Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Programs:

  • Programs that support children and families affected by substance use disorders.
  • Includes services for pregnant and parenting women (PPW) and programs addressing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).

Transitional/Recovery Housing Expansion:

  • Limited to currently certified operators within the State of West Virginia.
  • Programs that provide transitional and recovery housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
  • Includes supportive housing services and recovery housing programs.

Funds must be used for Core Strategies and Approved Purposes as defined in the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Supplemental Round

 

Earlier this year, WVFF launched the Initial Opportunity Grant (IOG) to support opioid crisis initiatives. Of the 174 applications received, after intake and scoring, the Board approved funding totaling $10.4 million and further announced a supplemental round to reach its original goal of $19.2 million. 

Introducing the IOG Supplemental Round

Recognizing West Virginia’s value of second chances, WVFF is offering applicants who did not get funded in this first disbursement of the IOG the opportunity to address application deficiencies and reapply for the remaining $8.8 million. These applicants will receive notice prior to December 31, 2024 and work with WVFF staff directly on how to meet necessary criteria. All grant-seekers from the initial round whose submissions were not funded are eligible to participate. Applicants must have submitted their initial applications by the original deadline (October 5, 2024).

Applications for the Supplemental Round will then be reviewed by the Initial Opportunity Committee and Expert Panel, and final approval will be made by the Board of Directors. Deficient applications must be cured no later than 11:59PM EST on January 31, 2025. Notification of awards will take place on or before March 31, 2025. 

 

 

Scoring Methodology:

The scoring methodology is divided into five key criteria, each aligned with best practices and evidence-based approaches. Each criterion is weighted to reflect its importance in achieving WVFF’s guiding principles, with the total possible score of 100.

Scoring Rubric:

  1. Evidence-Based Strategies (25)
  2. Relationship to Foundation’s Strategic Vision (20)
  3. Implementation and Sustainability (20)
  4. Transparency and Fairness (15)
  5. Impact and Measurability (20)

 

Evidence Based Strategies (25)

  • 25-20: The application clearly outlines a plan to use evidence-based interventions and practices. It includes comprehensive strategies supported by research and data, with a focus on proven methods for reducing SUD and overdose rates.
  • 19-15: The application mentions evidence-based strategies but lacks detail or comprehensiveness. Some strategies are well-supported by research, but others are less certain.
  • 14-10: The application includes a mix of evidence-based and unproven strategies. Limited detail on how evidence will guide implementation.
  • 9-5: The application includes few evidence-based strategies, relying mostly on untested methods.
  • 4-0: The application lacks evidence-based strategies and does not reference relevant research or data.

Relationship to Foundation's Strategic Vision (20)

  • 20-16: The project outcomes or activities align with WVFF’s mission, vision, and goals of the 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants. The project description and application provide evidence of this alignment and a clear path towards deploying the funds to achieve such goals. 
  • 15-11: The project elements align with WVFF’s mission, vision, or the goals of the 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants, but not all.
  • 10-6: The project is tangentially but not directly related to the WVFF strategic vision or RFP goals.
  • 5-1: There is a lack of an explicit relationship between the project and the WVFF vision or RFP goals.

Implementation and Sustainability (20)

  • 20-16: The application provides a clear, realistic plan for implementation with detailed timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder involvement. It includes strategies for long-term sustainability and ongoing funding.
  • 15-11: The application includes a general implementation plan but lacks some details. Sustainability is addressed but not comprehensively.
  • 10-6: The application includes an implementation plan with significant gaps or lack of clarity. Sustainability is minimally addressed.
  • 5-1: The application provides a vague or incomplete implementation plan with no clear sustainability strategy.

Transparency and Fairness (15)

  • 15-12: The application outlines a transparent decision-making process with clear criteria for fund allocation. It includes plans for community involvement and regular reporting on progress and outcomes.
  • 11-8: The application mentions transparency and fairness but lacks detailed plans. Some elements of community involvement and reporting are present.
  • 7-4: The application provides minimal information on transparency and fairness. Limited community involvement and reporting plans.
  • 3-1: The application briefly mentions transparency and fairness without providing substantial plans or details.

Impact and Measurability (20)

  • 20-16: The application includes clear, measurable goals and outcomes. It outlines specific metrics for tracking progress and evaluating success, with plans for regular data collection and analysis.
  • 15-11: The application includes measurable goals but lacks some detail on metrics and evaluation. Plans for data collection and analysis are present but underdeveloped.
  • 10-6: The application includes general goals with limited measurability. Plans for tracking and evaluation are unclear or incomplete.
  • 5-1: The application provides vague goals with no clear metrics for tracking progress. Minimal plans for evaluation.

Grant Disbursement

 

Funds will be disbursed in four tranches: 40% initially, followed by three tranches of 20% each.

Recipients must submit financial and accounting reports showing the use of each tranche of funds.

Statewide Expert Panel

The Expert Panel Committee of the WVFF nominated these individuals to serve as volunteers on the Statewide Expert Panel to guide decision-making processes for opioid abatement strategies. The areas of expertise covered by the Panel include treatment, prevention, recovery and lived experience, corrections and reentry, systems of care, law enforcement, and first responders.

Treatment (to include Mental Health and Pharmacology)


Laura Lander

Bringing extensive experience in substance abuse treatment and mental health services, Laura Lander will provide invaluable insights into treatment strategies. Laura is an Associate Professor in the department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry in the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University.

Prevention


Greg Puckett

With a strong background in evidence-based prevention programming, Greg Puckett contributes significantly to the development and deployment of effective prevention initiatives. Greg currently serves as a commissioner in Mercer County and as Executive Director of Community Connections Inc., which serves as the County’s Family Resource Network.

Recovery & Lived Experience


Emily Birckhead

With extensive experience in addiction and recovery support services, Emily Birckhead will provide a vital perspective on recovery strategies. Emily serves as Executive Director of West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences.

Corrections & Reentry


William Marshall

With years of direct experience and oversight in addressing addiction within criminal justice populations, William Marshall will focus on reducing recidivism and supporting reentry efforts. William serves as Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Systems of Care, Health Policy, & Management


Christina Mullins

An expert in health policy and management, Christina Mullins will help guide the integration of care systems and providership strategies to enhance the effectiveness of WVFF opioid abatement efforts. Christina currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders at the West Virginia Department of Human Services.

Law Enforcement & Judicial Systems


Jess Gundy

Bringing a wealth of experience in coordination between law enforcement, courts, and specific programmatic training, Jess Gundy will play a key role in linking judicial systems with addiction care. Jess serves as the Criminal Justice Program Director at the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.

First Responders


Adam Crawford

With a focus on the mental health and wellness of first responders, Adam Crawford will ensure that first responders are well-supported in their critical roles. Adam serves as Medical Director for the General Division Emergency Department at Charleston Area Medical Center Health System.

The establishment of this Expert Panel is a significant step forward in our mission to combat the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. The Panel will not only provide strategic guidance but will also ensure that our efforts are informed by the latest evidence-based practices and the lived experiences of those impacted by addiction. This inaugural term of the Statewide Expert Panel commences immediately and will run to January 1, 2025.

WVFF is committed to making a lasting impact on the opioid crisis through collaborative and innovative approaches. The Board is confident that the expertise and dedication of the appointed members will drive meaningful progress in our fight against this epidemic, and that their local knowledge and expertise will greatly enhance and further expand the effectiveness of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How was the award amount determined? (Awardees)

The Foundation Board and Statewide Expert Panel carefully evaluated multiple criteria to determine funding allocations. For more detail on the scoring rubric and methodology, visit https://wvfirst.org/grants/.

What organizations were eligible for IOG funding?

Initial Opportunity Grants were open to non-profit organizations that qualify for IRC 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and, tax exempt organizations under IRC 115 or other similar organizations that fulfill a charitable or public purpose, excluding for profit entities.

Applicants eligible for the Supplemental Round must have submitted their initial applications by the October 5, 2024 deadline.

Is it possible to be paid via paper check? (Awardees)

At this time, the Foundation is only utilizing electronic payment/ACH to send grant funds.

Where do I submit the missing/incomplete documentation for the Supplemental Round?

All documentation for the Supplemental Round is due to [email protected] no later than 11:59PM EST on January 31, 2025.

Do I need to reapply for the Supplemental Round?

No, you don’t need to reapply. Simply submit the missing or incomplete documentation requested. Any additional documents not identified will not be considered. Ensure all required components are submitted on time, as incomplete or late submissions will be disqualified.

When will the Supplemental Round awardees be notified?

Notification of awards from the Supplemental Round will take place on or before March 31, 2025.

Can I list multiple Target Areas on one application?

You are required to select one target area per application. 

Where do I obtain a Letter of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence?

A Letter of Good Standing is a document obtained from the West Virginia State Tax Department that certifies the bearer is in material compliance with all tax obligations, providing this assurance until a date certain in which the letter expires. This can be obtained via mail or through the State Tax Department’s MyTaxes portal (recommended). More information is available by visiting https://tax.wv.gov/Business/GoodStanding. 

A Certificate of Existence is a document produced by the West Virginia Secretary of State that confirms an entity/organization is properly registered with the State of West Virginia. Copies of Certificates of Existence may be ordered online at the Secretary of State’s Website, www.wvsos.gov.

What Region or Target Area do I list on my cover letter?

Regions are designated as Regions 1-6, which can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding available here: https://wvfirst.org/memorandum-of-understanding/.

The approved Target Areas, as outlined in the application, are as follows:

1. Diversion programs (e.g., LEAD, CIT, QRTs, Police and Peers, Day Report, etc.) and interdiction programs;
2. Youth Prevention and Workforce Development;
3. Child Advocacy Centers/Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome programs; and
4. Transitional/Recovery Housing expansion (limited to currently certified operators within the State of West Virginia).

In accordance with best practices, the West Virginia First Foundation reserves the right to modify or add to this FAQ to better assist organizations interested in applying for this grant.