Rural Provider Technology Grant Program

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers the Rural Provider Technology Grant Program as part of the state’s broader Rural Health Transformation initiative, which is supported through a cooperative agreement with the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The grant is designed to strengthen healthcare delivery systems across Mississippi, particularly those serving rural populations. Eligible providers include a wide range of healthcare entities such as hospitals, physician practices, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, tribal healthcare facilities, behavioral health providers, dental services, and long-term care facilities. Applicants are not required to be physically located in rural areas but must demonstrate that their proposed activities will provide meaningful benefits to rural residents and communities. The purpose of the program is to fund targeted investments in healthcare technology infrastructure. This includes hardware and software enhancements, digital and smart tools, automated systems, and resources necessary for onboarding to the statewide health information exchange. The program also supports broader upgrades such as cybersecurity improvements, data integrity systems, staff training, and implementation costs associated with integrating new technologies. These investments are intended to improve service capacity, enhance data protection, and support long-term operational sustainability for healthcare providers. Projects funded under this opportunity must align with at least one of several program objectives. These objectives include promoting innovative technologies for efficient care delivery, improving interoperability and data sharing through participation in the statewide health information exchange, strengthening core technology infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity protections, and improving financial and operational sustainability to maintain local access to care. Applications that fail to align with at least one objective or lack a credible plan for measurable outcomes will not be considered for funding. The program outlines specific funding availability for its first year, with approximately 57 million dollars anticipated. Awards are expected to range between 100,000 and 400,000 dollars depending on the category, with separate tracks for general technology and cybersecurity investments. The program anticipates awarding between 135 and 200 total grants across these categories. All funding is contingent upon receipt of federal funds and is distributed on a reimbursement basis, although advance funding may be requested under certain conditions. The performance period runs from the date of award through July 31, 2027, with all funds required to be obligated by October 30, 2026. There are strict funding restrictions governing allowable uses of grant funds. Funds cannot be used for telehealth, electronic health records, broadband infrastructure, new construction, major building expansion, lobbying, provider payments, or demolition. Administrative costs are capped at five percent of the award, and funds must support new or expanded activities rather than replace existing funding. Additionally, all expenditures must comply with federal regulations, including procurement standards and audit requirements under applicable federal guidelines. The application process requires submission through an online portal, with all required documentation uploaded as PDF files along with an Excel budget template. Applications are reviewed first for completeness and responsiveness before advancing to a merit review phase. A review panel evaluates submissions based on criteria including project need, implementation plan, impact on rural populations, sustainability, budget alignment, and evaluation metrics. The submission deadline is July 15, 2026 at 12 PM Central Time, with award announcements anticipated by July 31, 2026. Applicants may submit questions via email by July 22, 2026, and must adhere strictly to communication guidelines to avoid disqualification. Awardees are classified as subrecipients and are responsible for executing approved projects, maintaining financial and programmatic records, and submitting quarterly progress reports and a final evaluation report. Reporting includes tracking expenditures, milestones, performance metrics, and implementation challenges. Annual evaluation reporting is also required to support statewide reporting obligations to federal partners. The program emphasizes accountability, measurable outcomes, and sustainability beyond the grant period to ensure lasting improvements in rural healthcare delivery.

Ensure alignment with at least one program objective; clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes; provide a detailed implementation plan with sustainability; avoid non allowable costs; ensure completeness to pass initial review