Narcotic Treatment Programs and Medication Units Round Two
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTPs) seeking to expand medication-assisted opioid use disorder treatment. Applicants must hold an active DHCS license and commit to offering both buprenorphine and methadone. Priority goes to NTPs serving rural areas, justice-involved populations, Indigenous communities, and areas without nearby NTP access. Applications can fund up to one medication unit (MU) per application, though providers may submit separate applications for multiple MUs. The funded MU must become operational within eighteen months of receiving funds.
This grant is for California-licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTPs) seeking to expand medication-assisted opioid use disorder treatment. Applicants must hold an active DHCS license and commit to offering both buprenorphine and methadone. Priority goes to NTPs serving rural areas, justice-involved populations, Indigenous communities, and areas without nearby NTP access. Applications can fund up to one medication unit (MU) per application, though providers may submit separate applications for multiple MUs. The funded MU must become operational within eighteen months of receiving funds.
Program description
The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to expand the availability of MUs to increase MOUD access for rural areas, justice-involved populations, Indigenous and Native communities, patients without transportation, and areas that do not have a Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) within proximity to patients in need of NTP services. Allowable expenses include: · Costs to establish an MU including securing a lease, renovations, and related equipment; · General maintenance, redesign, and additional startup expenses to comply with DEA and state regulations; · Staffing and recruitment costs; and · Marketing and community engagement activities related to accessing and engaging in services provided by the MU. The target audience for this opportunity are DHCS-licensed NTPs. All licensed NTPs are encouraged to apply, with priority being given to NTPs wanting to expand their services via an MU to priortize rural communities, correctional facilities, local DHCS-licensed residential substance use disorder facilities that do not offer MAT, and Indigenous and Native communities. NTPs will also be prioritized for serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Note: Awards are subject to funding availability. Scope of Work Medication Unit (MU) Federal and State law defines MUs as treatment facilities from which licensed practitioners and/or community pharmacists dispense MOUD. An MU is a geographically separate facility from an NTP that operates under that NTP’s active license. This allows the NTP to extend services to communities that may not otherwise have access to MOUD. DHCS encourages applicants for this funding opportunity to partner with pharmacies to co-locate MUs within pharmacy settings and correctional facilities. Applicants can apply for up to $750,000. This funding can only be used for initial start-up costs for new medication units and cannot be used for ongoing or established work. Provider organizations may apply for multiple MUs per eligible NTP license, but separate applications are required for each MU requested. The primary NTP must commit to working with DHCS to gain DHCS approval for the proposed MU and be operational within eighteen months from receipt of funding. If at any time the NTP’s DHCS license is suspended/revoked/etc., the contract with be terminated and the NTP will not be granted further funds. Note: applicants are required to offer Buprenorphine as well as Methadone as a condition of program participation. Please note that if awarded, awardees may be asked to participate in DHCS press releases which could include providing quotes, being contacted by the press, filming themselves for a testimonial, etc.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for California-licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTPs) seeking to expand medication-assisted opioid use disorder treatment. Applicants must hold an active DHCS license and commit to offering both buprenorphine and methadone. Priority goes to NTPs serving rural areas, justice-involved populations, Indigenous communities, and areas without nearby NTP access. Applications can fund up to one medication unit (MU) per application, though providers may submit separate applications for multiple MUs. The funded MU must become operational within eighteen months of receiving funds.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- DHCS NTP license documentation
- MU startup budget and financial narrative
- Operational plan with 18-month timeline
- Staffing and recruitment strategy
- Letters of support (from partners, community leaders, local government)
Program contact
- 📧 stateopioidfunding@sfcenter.org
- 📞 1-916-993-7701
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 5 | 4 | 80% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this funding?
Only DHCS-licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs can apply. Your organization must hold an active California NTP license.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is April 28, 2025. Check with DHCS for any deadline changes or rolling acceptance periods.
What costs can I fund with this grant?
You can cover lease costs, renovations, equipment, DEA/state compliance expenses, staffing, recruitment, and community engagement. These are startup costs only—not ongoing operations.
What makes an application competitive?
Prioritize rural areas, correctional facilities, Indigenous communities, and populations without nearby NTP access. Serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries also strengthens your application.
How much can I request?
Up to $750,000 per medication unit. Each additional MU requires a separate application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly define the geography and population your MU will serve. Show why this location needs new MOUD access.
- Demonstrate your NTP's capacity to operate the new MU within eighteen months. Include realistic timelines for lease, renovations, and staffing.
- Partner with pharmacies or correctional facilities if possible. DHCS encourages co-location to expand access efficiently.
- Detail your recruitment and staffing plan. Show how you'll hire qualified practitioners and pharmacists quickly.
- Align with state priorities: rural areas, justice-involved populations, and Indigenous communities get preference.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Requesting funding for ongoing operations instead of startup costs. Applications for MUs that don't clearly address geographic or population gaps in MOUD access. Failing to commit to offering both buprenorphine and methadone as required.
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