Special Alcohol and Drug Funding Recommendations for 2026 in Topeka, KS
As of October 2025, Kansas's funding landscape for alcohol and drug prevention, treatment, and recovery continues to evolve, with a strong emphasis on opioid abatement, youth prevention, and integrated behavioral health services. For Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026), key developments include the transfer of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Fund to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) via House Bill 2221 (signed in 2025), enhancing efficiency in SUD (substance use disorder) funding distribution. KDADS has released specific Requests for Applications (RFAs) for prevention grants starting October 1, 2025, while the Kansas Fights Addiction (KFA) program prepares for its next grant round based on a statewide needs assessment. Shawnee County's 2026 budget maintains steady local support for its Special Drug and Alcohol Program, with no announced cuts. Federal block grants via SAMHSA provide a stable base, with potential extensions to September 30, 2026, for supplemental SUD funds under the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT BG). Total SUD-related funding in Kansas for FY 2026 is projected to exceed $50 million across state and federal sources, prioritizing evidence-based strategies like medication-assisted treatment (MAT), harm reduction, and youth/family engagement. In Topeka/Shawnee County, this supports providers like Mirror Inc., Valeo Behavioral Health Care, and New Dawn Wellness & Recovery Center.Key Funding Programs for 2026The table below highlights programs with confirmed or projected 2026 allocations, focusing on Topeka-relevant opportunities. Amounts are per grantee or total where specified; applications often open in late 2025.
Recommendations for Accessing/Applying in 2026
Program/Fund | Description | 2026 Funding Amount/Projection | Eligibility/Priorities | Contact/How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shawnee County Special Drug and Alcohol Program | Local grants for recovery housing, treatment referrals, detox, youth/family counseling, and court-linked services (e.g., via Prevention and Resiliency Services Inc.). Funded by Kansas alcohol tax. | $61,500+ (based on 23% increase from 2022's $50,000; steady in 2026 budget). | Shawnee County residents/nonprofits; low-income, veterans, youth, families. Focus: DUI education, re-entry. | Shawnee County Health Dept.: (785) 251-2270 or healthdept@snco.gov. Annual applications via county advisory committee; next cycle opens Q1 2026. |
KDADS KS SPF - Partnerships for Success (PFS) Youth & Young Adult Grant | Evidence-based prevention for ages 12-20, emphasizing alcohol/marijuana reduction and family engagement. Funds coalitions for education, screenings, and wellness programs. | $83,134 per grantee (one-year, Oct 1, 2025–Sep 30, 2026); multiple awards expected. | Youth/young adult-led nonprofits/community orgs in Kansas; Topeka priority for urban youth. | KDADS Prevention Team: kdads.bhs@ks.gov. RFA open now; submit by deadlines on kdads.ks.gov (expected Dec 2025). |
KDADS KS SPF - PFS Community Organizations Grant | Youth-led prevention strategies for SUD among 12-20s, including data collection and community partnerships. | $10,616 per grantee (one-year, Oct 1, 2025–Sep 30, 2026); youth-led requirement. | Community groups with youth leadership; focus on underserved Topeka areas. | Same as above; applications via kdads.ks.gov RFAs. |
Kansas Fights Addiction (KFA) Grants | Opioid settlement funds for SUD treatment, prevention, harm reduction (e.g., naloxone, fentanyl strips), recovery housing, and first-responder training. Administered by Sunflower Foundation (Topeka). | $6M+ projected (Round 5; based on $6M in Round 4, $8.5M in Round 3); multi-year projects. | Nonprofits, local govts (e.g., Topeka), agencies; evidence-based per 2023-2027 Opioid Plan. Topeka recipients: SENT ($250K in 2024), Valeo. | Sunflower Foundation: (785) 232-3000 or kfa@sunflowerfoundation.org. Next RFP expected early 2026; subscribe to updates at ksag.ks.gov. |
KDADS Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT BG) | Federal SAMHSA funds for assessment, detox, outpatient/inpatient treatment, MAT, and indigent support. Supplements Medicaid/KanCare. | $20M+ statewide (includes $10M+ federal; potential no-cost extension to Sep 2026). | SUD providers statewide; uninsured/underinsured priority. Topeka: Funds Mirror Inc., Sims-Kemper. | Beacon Health Options: 1-800-367-8284 for referrals; providers apply via KDADS (kdads.ks.gov). Annual plan feedback due Nov 2025. |
KDADS Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Fund (New) | Transferred from Dept. of Corrections; for community-based SUD treatment, including prisons-to-community transitions. | Integrated into KDADS budget (~$5M+ SGF projection for FY 2026). | KDADS-eligible providers; focus: efficient access for Kansans, including Topeka re-entry programs. | KDADS Behavioral Health: (785) 296-3841; applications via annual RFPs. |
United Way of Greater Topeka / Local SUD Grants | Community funds for counseling, youth prevention, and equity-focused recovery. Ties into KDADS/KFA. | $200K+ (projected; supports New Dawn, etc.). | Topeka nonprofits/individuals; low-barrier access. | United Way: (785) 234-1001 or unitedwaytopeka.org. Rolling applications. |
- For Individuals Seeking Services: Begin with a free KDADS assessment via Beacon Health Options (1-800-367-8284) to access SAPT BG-funded treatment. In Topeka, prioritize low-barrier options like Valeo's crisis services or Mirror Inc.'s MAT (buprenorphine/methadone). Use KanCare for coverage (kancare.ks.gov); veterans qualify for VA SUD funds at Topeka VA (785-350-7000).
- For Topeka Nonprofits/Providers: Target KDADS PFS grants (open now) for youth prevention—emphasize data-driven proposals with youth involvement. For KFA, prepare for Round 5 by aligning with 2023-2027 priorities (e.g., harm reduction); Topeka orgs like SENT succeeded with linkage-to-care projects. Leverage the new KDADS Treatment Fund for re-entry programs.
- Strategic Tips:
- Budget Integration: Shawnee County's 2026 plan includes lobbying for more federal/state funds—advocate via county commission for SUD boosts.
- Equity Focus: Prioritize underserved groups (e.g., pregnant women via Designated Women's Programs; $1M+ statewide).
- Data & Reporting: Use KSURS (WellSky system) for TEDS submissions to maintain federal eligibility.
- Emergencies: 24/7 hotline: 1-800-662-HELP; Topeka walk-ins at Valeo.
Henry McClure
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785-383-9994
www.henrymcclure.live
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