Rural Health Transformation Program – Building a Resilient Workforce, Rural Health Education Pipeline
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois organizations and educational institutions working to expand rural healthcare workforce development. The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, National Center for Rural Health Professions' Area Health Education Center is the direct recipient identified by the state.
The program targets rural students from middle school through professional training. It supports career pathway expansion through job shadowing, mentorship, workshops, and hands-on healthcare experiences.
Funding flows through Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services via the state's GATA application process. Organizations must complete the Euna application for consideration.
This grant is for Illinois organizations and educational institutions working to expand rural healthcare workforce development. The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, National Center for Rural Health Professions' Area Health Education Center is the direct recipient identified by the state.
The program targets rural students from middle school through professional training. It supports career pathway expansion through job shadowing, mentorship, workshops, and hands-on healthcare experiences.
Funding flows through Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services via the state's GATA application process. Organizations must complete the Euna application for consideration.
Program description
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was designed to empower states to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem.
Illinois’ Rural Health Transformation Program will support rural communities across the State of Illinois in improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming healthcare delivery. This program will expand career pathways and workforce pipeline programs for rural students through the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, National Center for Rural Health Professions’ Area Health Education Center (AHEC) based out of Rockford, IL in Winnebago County. The programs are designed to build awareness and stimulate interest in healthcare careers by providing hands-on experiences, such as job shadowing, mentorship, and workshops.
All RHT applicants must complete the Euna application. Once the completed application is received and approved, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services will collaborate with each subaward to complete the grant award process.
Note: Stevens Amendment Acknowledgment
This funding opportunity is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $193,418,216.21 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Through this Non-Discretionary Funding Information (NDFI) the state has identified the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, National Center for Rural Health Professions’ Area Health Education Center (UIC AHEC) based out of Rockford, Illinois in Winnebago County as direct recipients of this award. This program will expand career pathways and workforce development programs for rural middle school through professional training students. . The programs are designed to build awareness and stimulate interest in healthcare careers by providing hands-on experiences such as job shadowing, mentorship, and workshops.
The Building a Resilient Rural Workforce, Rural Health Education Pipeline initiative will be implemented by investing in expansion of the UIC AHEC program. The objective of this initiative is to expand and modernize the rural health workforce pathway from middle school through professional training and into practice, with UIC AHEC serving as the regional backbone for coordination and program delivery. This program utilizes federal CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program funds.2 Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NDFI is up to $4,500,000 in the first federal Budget Period and up to $22,500,000 in total across Budget Periods 1-5, subject to continued funding and program approval. Funding in future years is subject to CMS’s continuation, review, and award of future Rural Health Transformation funding. The release of this NDFI does not obligate the Department to make an award. Federal Assistance Listing: 93.798. Administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 478-00-3987).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Illinois organizations and educational institutions working to expand rural healthcare workforce development. The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, National Center for Rural Health Professions' Area Health Education Center is the direct recipient identified by the state.
The program targets rural students from middle school through professional training. It supports career pathway expansion through job shadowing, mentorship, workshops, and hands-on healthcare experiences.
Funding flows through Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services via the state's GATA application process. Organizations must complete the Euna application for consideration.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Euna application (Illinois GATA system)
- Project narrative describing rural healthcare workforce development strategy
- Letters of support from rural healthcare partners or clinical training sites
- Budget justification aligned with workforce pipeline activities
- Evidence of rural student population to be served
Program contact
- 👤 Dani Mendez
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.798 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$281,319,361
-
$272,174,856
-
$233,639,308
-
$233,509,359
-
$223,476,949
-
$221,898,008
-
$218,862,170
-
$218,529,075
-
$216,276,818
-
$213,008,356
Top States by Funding
- TX 1 awards $281.3M
- AK 1 awards $272.2M
- CA 1 awards $233.6M
- MT 1 awards $233.5M
- OK 1 awards $223.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this Rural Health Transformation Program?
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford's Area Health Education Center is the direct recipient. Other eligible organizations must be based in Illinois and support rural healthcare workforce development.
What is the deadline and funding amount?
The deadline is June 9, 2026. The first budget period offers up to $4,500,000, with potential for $22,500,000 total across five budget periods.
What activities are supported?
The program funds career pathway expansion, job shadowing, mentorship programs, workshops, and healthcare awareness initiatives for rural students.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant.
How is the application submitted?
Applicants must complete the Euna application through Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services' GATA process.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your narrative on rural healthcare workforce pipeline development and career pathway expansion outcomes.
- Demonstrate connections to the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford or coordinate with them on implementation strategy.
- Include specific details about rural student populations served (middle school through professional training levels).
- Clearly outline job shadowing, mentorship, or workshop activities that build healthcare career interest.
- Emphasize how your program transforms healthcare delivery access in rural Illinois communities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly connect your program to rural healthcare workforce development or not demonstrating collaboration with state-identified partners. Submitting incomplete Euna applications or missing required documentation through Illinois GATA. Proposing activities unrelated to career awareness, pathways, or workforce pipeline expansion for rural students.
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