This funding record is inactive. Please see the program website or contact the program sponsor to determine if this program is currently accepting applications or will open again in the future.
Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants
Link
Additional Links
Fact Sheet
Notice of Funding Opportunity (Grants.gov)
Deadline
Application Deadline: Apr 29, 2024
Sponsor
USDA Rural Development (USDA RD)
Purpose
Funds telecommunication projects that support distance learning and telemedicine services to increase access to education, training, and healthcare resources for students, teachers, medical professionals, and residents in rural areas. Emphasizes telecommunication projects that address substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid misuse.
Funds may be used for:
- Purchasing audio, video, and interactive video equipment
- Distance learning- or telemedicine-supporting broadband facilities
- Acquiring computer hardware, network components, and software
- Obtaining instructional programming, such as tuition, fees, coursework, and virtual field trips
- Obtaining technical assistance and training related to equipment use
Amount of Funding
Award ceiling: $1,000,000
Award floor: $50,000
Estimated number of awards: 115
Estimated total program funding:
$60,000,000
Applicants must provide matching funds of at least 15% of the total project costs.
In fiscal year 2024, $12,000,000 of the total program funding is set aside for projects that seek to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with SUD, including opioid misuse, in rural communities by strengthening the capacity to address prevention, treatment and/or recovery at the community level.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants are most entities that offer education or healthcare through telecommunications, including:
- Incorporated organizations; private for-profit and nonprofit corporations; or consortia
- American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations
- A state or local unit of government
Eligible programs must benefit rural areas with populations of 20,000 or less that aren't and not contiguous and adjacent to urban areas with populations of greater than 50,000.
Applicants will receive special consideration that have at least 1 end-user site located in the the following areas: tribal lands, distressed communities, Socially Vulnerable Communities, and projects proposed by a federally recognized tribe.
Geographic Coverage
Nationwide
What This Program Funds
Buildings and Facilities • Capacity Building • Equipment • New Program • Operating Costs and Staffing • Training Providers
Application Process
Application requirements, instructions, and other relevant information can be found in the funding announcement.
Applications are competitively scored according to objective and subjective criteria. Applicants must earn a minimum rurality score of 20 points, as an average score for all sites included in the project, to be eligible for an award. Use the rurality worksheet to determine a rurality score for this program.
Applicant webinar recording
and
slides
Application guide
Application checklist
Contact
For programmatic questions:
Contact the appropriate telecommunications general
field representative for your state
Rural Awards
Examples of past awards rural communities have received are described on the program website.
Topics This Program Addresses
Community Planning and Coalition Building • Economic Development • Health Education for Community and Patients • Infrastructure • Substance Use Disorder • Teleservices and Technology • Vocational Training, Education, and Employment