HRSA Opens Applications for Nearly $140 Million in Rural Healthcare Grants

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has opened applications for nearly $140 million in new grant funding aimed at strengthening healthcare access across rural America. The funding will support initiatives focused on substance use treatment, physician workforce development, telehealth expansion, rural healthcare networks, and innovative care delivery models as part of the federal government’s broader effort to improve the sustainability of rural health systems.

• HRSA has announced nearly $140 million in new rural healthcare grant opportunities.
• Funding supports substance use treatment, rural physician training, telehealth, and healthcare network development.
• A new pilot program will help independent rural hospitals and clinics build integrated care networks.
• Applications for the various grant programs are open throughout July 2026.
• The funding complements broader federal investments in rural healthcare infrastructure and sustainability.

The funding package consists of multiple competitive grant programs administered through HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, which has coordinated rural healthcare initiatives for nearly four decades. According to the agency, the investments are intended to improve healthcare access while helping rural providers address workforce shortages, financial pressures, and growing demand for specialized services.

The largest share of the funding—$64 million—will support the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). Of that total, $60 million has been allocated to the RCORP-Impact program, which funds projects that expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use disorders in rural communities. An additional $4 million will support RCORP-Planning grants, helping organizations develop community partnerships and implementation strategies before launching new programs.

HRSA is also investing $11.25 million in the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program, which provides startup funding to establish new accredited physician residency programs in rural communities. Research has consistently shown that physicians who complete residency training in rural areas are significantly more likely to practice in those communities after graduation, making rural residency programs an important strategy for addressing persistent workforce shortages.

Another major component of the funding package focuses on strengthening collaboration among rural healthcare providers. More than $7 million has been allocated to programs supporting integrated healthcare networks, including a $3 million Rural Health Network Advancement Program. HRSA described the initiative as its first pilot specifically designed to help independent rural hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers develop coordinated care networks that improve long-term financial sustainability and patient access. Additional funding includes $2.8 million for the Delta Rural Integrated Health Network Program and $1.8 million for the Rural Northern Border Region Network Planning Program.

Telehealth also represents a significant focus of this year’s funding opportunities. HRSA has allocated nearly $9.7 million across two programs designed to expand virtual healthcare services in rural communities. The Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program will receive $5.4 million to help organizations integrate nutrition services into primary and specialty care using telehealth technology. The program aims to improve management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, asthma, and mental health disorders by expanding access to registered dietitians and nutrition specialists in underserved areas.

An additional $4.3 million has been designated for the Technology-enabled Collaborative Learning Program, which supports technology-based education, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing among rural healthcare providers. The initiative is intended to strengthen clinical expertise and improve access to specialist knowledge without requiring providers or patients to travel long distances.

HRSA Administrator Tom Engels said the funding is intended to support organizations that understand the unique healthcare challenges facing rural communities.

“These funding opportunities support state and local organizations that understand their communities’ unique needs and are best positioned to deliver solutions. By strengthening rural health care systems, expanding access to quality care, investing in telehealth innovation and supporting the rural health workforce, HRSA is helping ensure that people living in rural America have the opportunity to lead healthier lives and that their communities remain strong for generations to come.”

The announcement builds on broader federal efforts to strengthen rural healthcare. Earlier initiatives have included the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, which is supporting long-term investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, technology modernization, and innovative care delivery models across all 50 states. HRSA officials said the new grants complement those larger investments by providing targeted funding for community-level programs and provider organizations.

Applications for the various grant programs opened over the past several weeks and will remain open through different deadlines in July, depending on the specific funding opportunity. Eligible applicants include hospitals, health systems, community organizations, educational institutions, telehealth networks, and other public and private organizations serving rural populations. Detailed eligibility requirements and application materials are available through HRSA’s funding portal.

The funding announcement underscores HRSA’s continued focus on addressing longstanding disparities in rural healthcare access. Rural communities often face shortages of healthcare professionals, longer travel distances for specialty care, higher rates of chronic disease, and financial challenges that threaten the viability of local hospitals and clinics. Through investments in workforce development, telehealth, integrated care networks, and substance use treatment, the agency aims to improve healthcare availability while supporting the long-term sustainability of rural health systems.

The HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) has announced the opening of applications for nearly $140 million in rural healthcare grants aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare services across underserved communities in the United States. The funding opportunity reflects HRSA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, improving patient outcomes, and supporting providers facing workforce and resource challenges.

Healthcare organizations, rural hospitals, community health centers, and nonprofit providers are encouraged to apply for HRSA funding to help address critical healthcare needs in remote and medically underserved areas.

HRSA Expands Investment in Rural Healthcare

Through this funding initiative, HRSA plans to support projects that improve healthcare delivery, expand access to primary and specialty care, strengthen emergency services, and promote innovative care models in rural communities.