Rural Health Network Development Program
🏛 Health Resources and Services Administration (HHS-HRSA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for rural health care networks seeking to improve access and coordination in underserved communities. Applicants must be integrated health care networks—either established (Network Advancement Tract) or newly forming (Network Development Tract)—serving rural populations. Networks typically include independent rural hospitals, clinics, and health centers collaborating on operational or clinical improvements. The program funds network infrastructure, care expansion, and activities that strengthen efficiency and quality in small rural health systems.
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Key dates
- Aug 13, 2026 Applications open
- Mar 16, 2027 Application deadline in 147 days
- Jun 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The Rural Health Network Development program supports integrated health care networks that address health care needs of targeted rural communities. Applicants may choose between two funding tracts.
The Network Advancement Tract supports networks comprised of independent rural hospitals and clinics in integrated network collaboration. It bridges support to offset small scale structural barriers that make it difficult for rural providers to compete in an increasingly consolidated health care system landscape and is designed to help bring economic efficiencies to small independent rural entities by expanding and enhancing their ability to strengthen operations, preserve existing services, and build new lines of care through integrated network collaboration that preserves local autonomy.
The Network Development Tract supports nascent/early-stage integrated rural health care networks with funding to plan, develop, and carry out targeted operational or clinical service expansion activities.
Both tracts aim to expand access to care, improve coordination and quality, strengthen health outcomes, increase efficiency, and support a stronger rural health care system.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Community Health Center
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Rural Health Clinic
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative describing network structure, goals, and implementation plan
- Budget and budget justification
- Letters of commitment from all network member organizations
- Organizational capacity and qualifications documentation
- Rural health data and community needs assessment
Program contact
- 👤 Andrew Park
- 📧 RHND@hrsa.gov
- 📞 301-443-6849
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.912 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$14,040,244
-
$8,538,220
-
$8,393,608
-
$8,383,164
-
$8,109,202
-
$7,980,618
-
$7,923,550
-
$7,563,750
-
$7,420,372
-
$7,384,640
Top States by Funding
- MN 2 awards $22.0M
- AR 5 awards $16.4M
- MS 4 awards $13.7M
- KY 3 awards $12.8M
- TX 2 awards $11.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.912). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $47,951,750 | |
| 2025 | $48,828,443 | |
| 2026 est. | $48,828,443 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Integrated rural health care networks, including partnerships of independent rural hospitals and clinics. Both newly forming and established networks are eligible under different tracts.
What is the funding difference between the two tracts?
Network Advancement Tract supports established networks building economic efficiencies. Network Development Tract supports early-stage networks planning and carrying out service expansion activities.
What activities does this grant fund?
Network infrastructure development, operational improvements, care coordination enhancements, clinical service expansion, and activities that strengthen rural health systems and preserve local provider autonomy.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards typically range from $300,000 to $500,000, depending on network scope and project needs.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is March 16, 2027. No cost sharing or matching funds are required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Choose the correct tract: Network Advancement if your network is established and seeking efficiency gains; Network Development if you are planning or early-stage. Clarity here matters.
- Demonstrate rural impact clearly. Show how your network will expand access and improve care coordination in your specific rural community or region.
- Emphasize local autonomy preservation. Reviewers want networks that strengthen small providers while respecting their independence, not consolidation that removes local control.
- Document current barriers and unmet needs. Explain specific structural or operational challenges your network faces and how this funding addresses them.
- Build a strong partnership narrative. Show committed participation from all network members and clear governance structure for collaboration.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a single facility instead of a true integrated network; reviewers require multi-entity collaboration. Focusing only on financial benefits without showing concrete improvements to patient care, access, or health outcomes. Proposing activities that could threaten local autonomy or appear to consolidate decision-making away from member organizations.
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