Better Ways to Cope
Building Communities. Touching Lives. Healing Together.
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WHAT IS BETTER WAYS TO COPE (BWTC)?
Better Ways to Cope (BWTC) is a community-centered harm reduction, prevention, treatment and recovery campaign powered by the Department of Health and Human Services. This multi-faceted movement uses media platforms to promote services, grants funds to community organizations, shares resources with community members and equips everyone with the skills to cope in a better way.
BWTC Components
- Media: We use social and mass media platforms to promote services, engage the community, and educate residents across Milwaukee County. Connect with us on Facebook, join our newsletter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel playlist.
- Community: We are proud to regrant funds to community organizations across Milwaukee County. We support local influencers, community leaders, and service providers with helping Milwaukee County residents finding better ways to cope.
- Resources: We promote health and wellness resources to share with community members and organizations. Each organization, expert, program and website has a proven track record of providing quality services.
- Training: We partner with local and national experts to educate on non traditional healing practices and evidence based professional health services via online and in-person training.
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IMPORTANT DATES |
PURPOSE |
DATE |
TIME |
|
APPLICATION LAUNCH |
The public will gain access to the application and will be invited to apply via the Milwaukee County Website. |
March 25th, 2026 |
9:00am |
|
VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION |
Interested parties will learn how to complete the application and have an opportunity to ask questions. |
April 7th , 2026 |
2:00pm |
|
APPLICATION DUE DATE |
Organizations will submit their applications via the Milwaukee County website. |
May 13th , 2026 (By 5 pm!!) |
5:00pm |
|
SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT |
An independent review panel will rank each application using objective criteria and announce which agencies are receiving awards Awardees will be notified via email. |
July 1st, 2026 |
5:00pm |
FUNDING CATEGORIES
8 grantees will be awarded $200,00.00 over the course of 24 months. There are two awards in each category - a total of 8 awards will be granted.
Prevention
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines prevention as activities that work to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use and misuse of drugs and the development of substance use disorders.
Awards: 2
Amount: $200,000.00
Term: 24 Months
Harm Reduction
SAMHSA defines harm reduction as a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies — including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion — to empower People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and their families with the choice to live healthier, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives.
Awards: 2
Amount: $200,000.00
Term: 24 Months
Treatment:
According to SAMSHA, there are many different types of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Some treat specific conditions, while others work for many different conditions. The goal of most treatments is to change thoughts and behaviors and manage physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. There is often a need for more than one type of treatment in combination with medication and therapy.
Awards: 2
Amount: $200,000.00
Term: 24 Months
Recovery:
According to SAMSHA, recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Awards: 2
Amount: $200,000.00
Term: 24 Months
Important Information
The Better Ways to Cope virtual information session by Milwaukee County DHHS is a great chance to get answers and support for the application process. Use the Microsoft TEAMS app to join this virtual meeting. All Q&As will be compiled and available on the website for additional resources. Don't forget to download the information packet and application ahead of time.
Information Packet Application Financial Reporting Requirements
Information Session Question and Answer
Where can I find the financial reporting document?
A copy of the financial reporting document is available here.
Do Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with partners count toward the 8-page narrative limit?
No, MOUs are considered separate from the 8-page narrative limit.
If an organization operates in multiple states, should the submitted budget reflect the entire agency or just Wisconsin operations?
The submission should focus on the budget relevant to operations within the specific region/state designated by the grant.
For a for-profit entity with a shifting budget based on active contracts, what are the expectations for the "Agency Budget" section?
You should provide the revenue and expenses from the previous fiscal year to establish a baseline of financial activity.
What is the expected timeline for payment once an invoice is submitted?
Payment for invoices will typically be received 30 days after the date of submission.
Should staff time spent on monthly financial reporting be categorized as a direct or indirect cost?
Typically, staff time specifically dedicated to the administration of the grant (such as financial reporting) can be categorized based on the organization's standard accounting practices, but it is often considered a direct cost if it is specifically required for the grant’s management.
Is there a specific operating budget requirement for an organization to be eligible?
There is no strictly defined minimum or maximum operating budget required for eligibility.
How does BWTC define "Outcomes," "Goals," and "Objectives" in the program design section?
While definitions can vary by funder, BWTC generally looks for:
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Goals: Broad statements of what you wish to achieve.
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Objectives: Specific, measurable steps taken to reach those goals.
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Outcomes: The final results or changes that occur because of the program.
Are grant dollars restricted to addressing opioid use, or can they address other substances?
While there is a significant focus on opioid prevention, the funds can often be used for broader substance use prevention, provided there is a clear connection to how the activities coordinate with or impact the reduction of opioid-related harms or deaths.
Can funds be used for professional development, such as trauma-informed curriculum training for school staff?
Yes, schools are eligible to apply. The primary requirement is demonstrating how the training and implementation coordinate with the prevention of opioid-related issues.
Can the budget include costs for internal organizational training?
Yes, costs can include trainings that strengthen the organization’s ability to implement programs, follow best practices, and ensure sustainable outcomes.
If a project falls into more than one category, how should it be submitted?
Each application should focus on and address only one primary category.
What are the chances for a new business or grassroots organization to receive this grant?
The grant is open to a variety of organizations. Successful grassroots projects often utilize evidence-based approaches to prevention while maintaining strong community ties.
Have organizations that strictly serve youth been awarded this grant in the past?
Yes, organizations focused solely on youth populations have been successful recipients.
Is there a preference for ongoing programs versus singular, time-limited projects?
Awards have historically been a mix of both ongoing programs focused on long-term sustainability and singular projects designed to span the specific funding timeline.
Can you provide examples of successful projects or how grassroots groups use evidence-based approaches?
Previous successful projects have included community-led prevention initiatives, harm reduction strategies, and storytelling projects that align with the Strategic Prevention Framework to ensure data-driven results.
Can organizations apply for more than one category to the website?
Yes
How do I download the budget form?
1. Open Application, scroll to the budget section
2. Open the budget forms embedded in the application
3. Download budget forms
4. Fill in with your budget information
5. Attach the form with your application when you turn it in to Hope House
When will you announce who has been selected to receive BWTC funds?
The selection announcement date has been updated. Better Ways to Cope grantees
will now be notified of award selections on July 1 instead of June 26.