In just a few short months, West Virginia First Foundation has made unprecedented strides in tackling the state’s substance use crisis.
As a private, nonprofit organization tasked with distributing opioid settlement funds, West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) has wasted no time assembling a dedicated team, launching impactful programs, and ensuring that critical funding reaches the communities that need it most.
WVFF’s mission is clear: to empower West Virginians to prevent substance use disorder, support recovery, and save lives. With the rollout of the Initial Opportunity Grant (IOG) program last fall, the Foundation took a major step toward fulfilling that mission. As 2025 begins, nearly $10.4 million has already been awarded to organizations statewide, marking a swift and efficient allocation of resources that is rarely seen in similar initiatives.
However, WVFF didn’t stop there. Recognizing that some applicants faced challenges in the initial round, the Foundation launched a Supplemental Round of funding, ensuring that those who needed additional support had the opportunity to refine their applications. Applications for the Supplemental Round closed on January 31, 2025, and awardees will be notified on or before March 31, 2025. This process highlights WVFF’s commitment to accessibility, fairness, and transparency—essential elements to ensure that every resource delivers the greatest impact.
Strengthening Regional Support Through Expert Panels
To better meet the unique needs of communities across the state, WVFF is refining its approach to expert panels. These panels, initially designed to assess funding applications, are evolving into more regionally focused advisory groups. By incorporating more local expertise, WVFF aims to ensure that funding decisions are informed by those who best understand their region’s challenges and opportunities. This shift will strengthen the Foundation’s ability to address the diverse and complex needs of West Virginians affected by substance use disorder.
A Call for Collaboration
Beyond the logistics of funding distribution, WVFF remains focused on long-term, outcomes-based solutions to the opioid crisis. Chairman of the Board Matthew Harvey underscored the importance of working together to address the state’s most pressing challenges:
“We face huge statistics in West Virginia—numbers that represent real lives impacted by substance use disorder. The only way we can overcome these challenges is by working together. WVFF is not just about treatment; we are also focusing on long-term solutions, such as addressing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and other critical public health concerns. If you have a solution, we want to hear from you. Work with your local representatives, raise concerns, and ask questions. We are here to listen and collaborate. Together, we can make West Virginia healthier and stronger.”
A Vision for the Future
Executive Director Jonathan Board expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s Board of Directors and the communities engaging in this work. “We are determined to make sure every dollar of settlement funding goes toward creating a better future for our state. These funds represent hope, and we are committed to making a lasting impact.”
While the Foundation is tasked with distributing 72.5% of the opioid settlement funds, 3% goes directly to the State of West Virginia and 24.5% goes directly to West Virginia local governments.
Visit wvfirst.org for more information.
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