Calvert County Department of Community Resources opened applications Oct. 10, 2025, for two grant programs: the Opioid Restitution Fund and the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. Both aim to support local initiatives, with deadlines set for Nov. 7, 2025. Eligible applicants include county government entities, nonprofit organizations and community-based partners for the opioid fund, while the reinvestment fund targets programs in Prince Frederick and Lusby. Submissions go to community.grants@CalvertCountyMd.gov, with questions directed to 410-535-1600, ext. 8803.
The Opioid Restitution Fund draws from statewide settlements related to opioid litigation, focusing on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery and public safety. Projects must show measurable impact in reducing opioid-related harm. Applicants can seek up to $100,000, though awards typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. Materials include an application form, frequently asked questions and a budget template, all accessible at www.calvertcountymd.gov/ORF. A virtual training session via Microsoft Teams is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2025, at 10 a.m., with meeting ID 269 851 615 470 and passcode 5WC6jU96. Award notifications occur in mid-December 2025, for performance from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026. Mid-year reports are due July 15, 2026, and end-of-year reports Jan. 15, 2027.
The Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund offers $640,000 in fiscal 2026, stemming from Maryland’s 2022 Cannabis Reform Act to aid areas disproportionately affected by past cannabis prohibition. Minimum requests start at $2,500, with operational and capital grants capped at $50,000. Capital grants allow one-year carryover extensions upon written request. Priorities, based on a July 2025 community survey, include education and afterschool programs at 17% in Prince Frederick and 18% in Lusby, behavioral health crisis response at 16% and 17%, community childcare and recreation at 15% each, housing and homelessness prevention at 15% and 13%, job training at 13% each, transportation improvements at 10% each, truancy interventions at 8% each, and programs for those impacted by incarceration at 0% in Prince Frederick and 6% in Lusby. Application details are at www.calvertcountymd.gov/CRRF, with virtual training Oct. 21, 2025, at 2 p.m., using meeting ID 243 438 466 686 and passcode RD79Y4fc. Timeline mirrors the opioid fund for awards and reporting.
These programs align with broader state efforts to address public health and equity. Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund, established in 2019, directs settlement proceeds to combat the crisis, with 70% allocated directly to local governments. In fiscal 2024, the state distributed $42.8 million from settlements, including $34.7 million to qualifying charter counties. Calvert County, with a population of about 94,444, has seen an average of 22.6 opioid-related deaths annually from 2017 to 2021. Recent data show a 56% reduction in overdose deaths from July 2024 to June 2025, attributed partly to naloxone distribution. Suspected overdoses in 2025 involved 53 cases with opioids like fentanyl, seven with prescription medications, one with PCP and one with over-the-counter drugs. Statewide, provisional data through September 2025 indicate ongoing challenges, with opioid dispensing rates varying by county.
The Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund supports equity in areas like Prince Frederick and Lusby, identified by the Maryland Office of Social Equity as impacted communities. Statewide, the fund provides resources to local governments for distribution to initiatives serving those most affected. A 2023 survey informed initial priorities, emphasizing community-based programs. Calvert’s July 2025 survey refined local needs, guiding allocations to enhance education, health and economic opportunities.
Similar grants in Southern Maryland have demonstrated positive outcomes. The Southern Maryland Heritage Area secured $4.6 million in 2025 for museums and historic sites, boosting economic development. The Southern Maryland Folklife Center received funding in October 2025 to expand workshops and programming across the region. United Way of Southern Maryland’s community impact grants address local issues, investing in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. In 2021, Charles County nonprofits like Southern Maryland Community Network got $5,000 for employment assistance for those with mental health challenges. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded $188,000 in 2024 for safer neighborhoods in Southern Maryland. Highway safety grants totaled $135,000 in September 2025 for impaired driving prevention and pedestrian education in the tri-county area. Keep Maryland Beautiful grants for 2026, up to $10,000, support land trusts in capacity building. Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission has funded farm rebuilds and processing kitchens through RAP grants. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area distributed $25,000 in August 2025 for historic site revitalization. Maryland Technology Center in Southern Maryland received $200,000 in April 2025 for innovation support.
Calvert County’s efforts build on state frameworks. The opioid fund stems from national settlements, with Maryland’s agreement allocating shares per Exhibit G. Local governments receive direct distributions, enabling targeted responses. Counties comply with reporting standards, channeling funds through structures like advisory councils. For the reinvestment fund, community organizations qualify for grants, promoting access. These initiatives reflect Maryland’s commitment to using settlement and revenue funds for public benefit, with oversight ensuring alignment.
Applicants can join as community liaisons via online forms at forms.office.com/g/VkP9sJ9jPT for opioid and forms.office.com/g/aA5Gxf64mG for reinvestment. Updates appear on the respective webpages. Calvert County Government services details are at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov.
