Illinois Rural Health Initiative—ROOTS: Rural Outreach, Opportunity, Training, and Success
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Aug 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for rural community colleges in Illinois seeking to expand healthcare training programs. Applicants must be accredited community colleges located in rural areas of Illinois. The grant supports programs in maternal health, substance abuse treatment, and other high-need healthcare fields. Eligible colleges can use funding for curriculum development, faculty training, clinical facilities, and student support services.
Funding supports workforce pipeline development through partnerships with healthcare providers and secondary schools. Colleges may propose innovative delivery models addressing rural barriers like distance and limited clinical sites. Multi-year project budgets are encouraged, with funding available for years 1-5 subject to CMS continuation.
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Program description
The purpose of this funding is to expand and enhance healthcare support worker training programs at rural community colleges, with a particular focus on maternal care and substance abuse. More specifically, funding will support: Expansion of high-need healthcare programs, increased instructional and clinical capacity, enhanced student supports, Workforce and secondary partnerships, Innovative delivery models that address rural barriers. This grant program utilizes federal CMS RHT Program funds. The total amount of funding expected to be awarded
through this NDFI is up to $29 million in year 1 and up to a total of $149 million across years 1-5, subject to continued
funding and program approval. Funding in future years is subject to CMS’ continuation, review, and award of future RHT
Program grant funding. The release of this NDFI does not obligate the Department to make an award. Administered by the Illinois Community College Board via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 684-00-4098).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NDFI application form
- Project narrative (5-year plan)
- Budget narrative and detailed budget
- Letters of support from healthcare employers and clinical partners
- Evidence of rural designation
- Institutional capacity documentation
- Student support and recruitment plan
Program contact
- 👤 Ann Storey
- 📧 ann.l.storey@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-558-4635
FAQ
What types of community colleges are eligible?
Rural accredited community colleges in Illinois are the primary eligible applicants. Contact the Illinois Community College Board to confirm your rural designation.
What healthcare programs does this fund?
The grant prioritizes maternal health and substance abuse training, but supports other high-need healthcare worker programs. Programs training nursing assistants, medical technicians, and behavioral health workers are typical examples.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this grant. However, partnerships with healthcare employers strengthens applications.
What's the typical funding level?
Award amounts vary by project scope and regional healthcare needs. Total program funding is $29 million year 1, distributed among selected colleges.
Can we apply if we don't have existing healthcare programs?
Yes, but colleges with established programs may be better positioned. The grant emphasizes expansion and enhancement of existing capacity.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly link proposed programs to documented rural healthcare workforce shortages in your service area.
- Partner with local healthcare employers, hospitals, and clinics to demonstrate market demand and placement pathways.
- Show how your college can remove barriers like transportation, childcare, or scheduling for rural students.
- Include specific metrics for student enrollment, completion, and job placement outcomes.
- Describe how funding will increase both instructional and clinical training capacity in year 1 and beyond.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak workforce partnerships—applications without clear employer commitment to hiring graduates are less competitive. Unclear rural impact—failing to demonstrate specific healthcare gaps in your service region. Under-developed delivery models—proposing traditional classroom-only training without addressing distance or access barriers.
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