Reflections from the Exhibit Hall: The 2025 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee. The massive Opryland Resort was a hub of activity, where professionals across healthcare, law enforcement, public health, and nonprofit sectors congregated to share ideas, solutions, and strategies for addressing the substance use crisis.
Our focus was to connect with organizations seeking to maximize their impact through competitive opioid settlement grant funding. What emerged from these conversations was a shared commitment to advancing prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts. Many of the attendees, including our fellow exhibitors, voiced frustrations with the federal funding landscape (talk about preaching to the choir!) and we were heartbroken to hear from numerous organizations that have lost crucial funding.
Navigating Opioid Settlement Grants
The opioid settlement funds—over $50 billion being distributed across all 50 states—are one of the most significant opportunities for organizations tackling the addiction crisis. These funds are required to be spent on initiatives that prevent overdose deaths, expand treatment access, reduce harm, and support long-term recovery. While the distribution methods vary by state, these funds represent a critical and reliable resource at a time when many organizations are navigating federal funding reductions, delays, or uncertainty.
We were thrilled to offer this resource which includes a color coded map indicating each state’s approach to disbursing settlement funds. (Hint: if you’re in a green state, we need to talk.)
In the exhibit hall, many attendees expressed gratitude for the availability of settlement funding. They noted that these dollars enable innovative programs that may not otherwise receive support. However, they also shared challenges in accessing these funds, particularly for nonprofits unfamiliar with state-specific application processes or navigating partnerships with local agencies. This is where KFA Nonprofit steps in, and our conversations often revolved around how we can help organizations secure competitive grants to sustain their impact.
Conversations in the Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall was more than just a place to showcase services or products—it was a space for connection, collaboration, and learning. Many attendees visited our booth with questions about navigating the complexities of state-level opioid settlement funds. Some were eager to learn how to position their organizations to secure grants that align with their missions, while others sought guidance on how to articulate projects that would stand out in competitive grant applications.
I was thrilled when a happy client from Michigan stopped by to visit our booth. We met at last year’s Rx Summit. Earlier this year, we successfully secured opioid settlement funding for their organization. We were especially delighted to learn that they are blown away by how simple and straightforward their reporting requirements have proven to be. Hanging out with their smiling faces was a great reminder of why we do what we do. Their gratitude and enthusiasm were infectious and reinforced the importance of continuing to help organizations unlock the potential of these critical funding opportunities.
Another conversation highlighted just how essential it is for organizations to stay proactive. An attendee managing a recovery housing program mentioned that while they had applied for settlement grants before, they struggled with the process and were unsure how to strengthen their applications. Others expressed concerns about keeping up with state-specific timelines and requirements. These discussions reinforced the importance of having a trusted partner to navigate the grant landscape, ensuring organizations can focus on delivering life-saving programs rather than getting bogged down by administrative hurdles.
Finally, another exhibitor inquired about how I recruit my team. Specifically, he asked if I just hang around outside psychiatric hospitals and interview people as they are discharged since, “you obviously have to be nuts to WANT to write grants.” I gently reminded him that wasn’t very nice and said that I typically stand under a tree and wait for the squirrels to drop them to me. (FACT: Every member of The Best Team on Earth is someone I have known for more than five years who happened to have worked extremely well with me in another setting. I poach extraordinary talent; I do not wait for it to fall out of the sky.)
Opportunities Amid Challenges
While the summit was filled with hope and determination and a few laughs, there were also candid discussions about the broader funding environment. Many attendees shared frustrations about the reduction and delay of federal funding, which has left gaps in critical services. Nonprofits and community organizations, in particular, expressed concerns about how to sustain their work in such an uncertain climate. However, these conversations always circled back to the opportunities presented by opioid settlement funds, which have become a vital lifeline for many in the recovery ecosystem.
At KFA Nonprofit, we understand these challenges, share the frustration in the air in Nashville last week, and are committed to helping organizations weather the storm. Our grant writing services empower our clients to turn their strategic goals into impactful realities. With our proven track record—an 85%+ success rate and tens of millions of dollars secured for clients—we’re proud to help nonprofits thrive in this unpredictable environment.
Building Relationships for Long-Term Impact
What struck me most during my time at the summit was the dedication of the individuals and organizations working to address the addiction crisis. The passion and purpose were evident in every conversation. Attendees weren’t just looking for funding—they were seeking partnerships, solutions, and ways to make a lasting difference in their communities.
The exhibit hall became a microcosm of collaboration. From harm reduction advocates to behavioral health leaders, everyone I spoke with shared the belief that addressing the substance use crisis requires a multifaceted, community-driven approach. By working together, organizations can amplify their impact and create innovative solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Reflecting on the 2025 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, I’m reminded of the critical role we all play in combating the addiction crisis. For KFA Nonprofit, this means continuing to support organizations as they navigate the complexities of opioid settlement funding. These funds are not just a stopgap—they are a transformative resource that can empower nonprofits to meet the needs of their communities while building a foundation for long-term success.
As we move forward, I’m inspired by the resilience and creativity of the professionals I met in Nashville. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. By leveraging the resources available—especially opioid settlement grants—and fostering collaboration across sectors, we can create meaningful change. At KFA, we’re proud to be part of that journey, helping organizations do more, better, and with greater impact.
If you’re navigating the funding landscape and seeking a partner to help secure opioid settlement grants, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we can turn your vision into reality and make a lasting difference.