Rapid Response Rural Data Analysis and Issue Specific Rural Research Studies

The Rapid Response Rural Data Analysis and Issue Specific Rural Research Studies program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable, including populations in rural areas. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the evidence base for rural health policy and practice by supporting rapid-response research and targeted data analysis on emerging rural health issues. The purpose of this program is to fund a single entity that will provide timely, policy-relevant analysis to rural stakeholders. The program emphasizes responsiveness to urgent or emerging issues affecting rural health systems, including access to care, workforce shortages, and evolving public health challenges. The funded organization will be expected to produce actionable insights that can inform federal, state, and local decision-making, as well as support rural health providers and communities. Funding under this opportunity will be awarded through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from HRSA in program activities. The total estimated program funding is 600,000 dollars, with one anticipated award at the full amount. Funds are expected to support research activities, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, allowing applicants to focus resources entirely on program implementation and research outputs. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of domestic entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and special district governments; federally recognized and non-recognized tribal governments and organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; independent school districts; and for-profit organizations, including small businesses. All applicants must be domestic organizations, defined as entities located within the United States and its territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and other U.S.-affiliated jurisdictions. The application process is expected to open following the estimated posting date of April 28, 2026, with applications due by May 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted electronically through the appropriate federal grants platform. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice, applicants should anticipate standard federal grant requirements such as project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent. The anticipated award date is June 1, 2026, with a project start date of July 1, 2026. The timeline suggests a rapid review and award process consistent with the program’s emphasis on responsiveness. The performance period is not explicitly stated but is likely aligned with typical HRSA research funding cycles. The opportunity is presented as a one-time forecasted funding round, with no explicit indication of recurring cycles. For additional information, applicants may contact Karis Tyner at HRSA via phone at (301) 287-2615 or by email at ktyner@hrsa.gov. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for the official funding announcement and application package upon release.