Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) on Thursday announced the 23 nonprofit organizations selected as the 2026 Opioid Settlement Fund grantees. The program redirects settlement capital into evidence-based youth prevention, utilizing a unique blend of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education and mental health support.
The grants, administered through the Partnership for a HealthierJC, follow a rigorous review process and adhere to state-mandated “Schedule B” guidelines, which ensure funds are used specifically for opioid prevention and community resilience.
Under the Fulop administration, Jersey City has prioritized a proactive “foundation of public health.” By funding STEAM and arts-based programming, the city aims to provide at-risk youth with high-engagement environments that foster leadership and emotional well-being—factors proven to decrease the likelihood of substance misuse.
“Throughout my administration, we have invested in compassionate, evidence-based approaches to address the opioid crisis,” Fulop said. “These programs reflect the innovation, dedication, and community leadership that will continue to shape Jersey City’s future.”
The 2026 grant cycle is organized into three tiers to ensure year-round support for Jersey City families. Awards this year range from $7,000 to $46,500, with larger grants supporting comprehensive year-long and after-school initiatives.
The following organizations have been recognized for their deep commitment to community wellness and their capacity to deliver measurable outcomes:
Full Year & After School Programs:
- Kismet of Kings: $46,500
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County: $45,500
- Team Wilderness: $45,500
- Liberty Science Center: $45,000
- eCode Learning Center: $45,000
- Enosis the Leadership Network: $45,000
- Saint Peter’s University: $45,000
- Most Excellent Way: $45,000
- Jersey City Police Activity League: $45,000
- Higher Hopes: $45,000
- STEM Kids NYC: $45,000
- Nimbus Dance Works, Inc.: $43,500
- SAF – Save a Few: $43,000
- Whole Spectrum Autism: $43,000
- Yonkers Partners in Education: $37,500
- Anti-Violence Coalition: $27,000
- She Is, Incorporated: $24,000
- Youth Foundation of Jersey City: $23,400
Summer Program Grants:
- JCPRHAC: $8,700
- Helping Hurting Hearts Community Outreach: $8,700
- Community Empowered Research Center: $7,200
- SuperKidz Kamp, Inc.: $7,000
“From grassroots efforts to established institutions, this year’s grantees demonstrate deep commitment to supporting youth mental health,” Stacey Flanagan, director of HHS said. The City will provide onboarding and technical assistance to all 23 organizations throughout the year, ensuring programs are effectively integrated into Jersey City’s broader health infrastructure.
