School-Based Wellness Equipment Grant

The School-Based Wellness Equipment funding opportunity is administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federally supported initiative authorized under Public Law 119-21 and overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This broader program represents a multi-year investment intended to strengthen rural health systems, improve care delivery, and address persistent disparities in rural and tribal communities. Within this framework, North Dakota has prioritized initiatives that expand access, enhance workforce capacity, and improve population health outcomes, including a targeted focus on youth wellness through school-based environments. This specific funding opportunity is designed to support rural, tribal, public, and private schools in North Dakota in acquiring wellness-focused equipment that improves students’ physical health, mental well-being, and emotional resilience. The program recognizes the strong connection between student wellness and academic success, attendance, engagement, and overall school climate. By funding equipment such as cardiovascular machines, strength training tools, sensory and mental health supports, and safety-related devices, the initiative aims to create healthier school environments that encourage active lifestyles, reduce barriers to learning, and foster long-term well-being. Eligible uses of funds are limited to the purchase, delivery, and installation of wellness-related equipment that is clearly justified and aligned with student needs. Applicants must demonstrate three core components in their proposals: specific identification of equipment with detailed specifications, accurate and comprehensive cost estimates including associated expenses, and a well-developed justification of need supported by data and anticipated outcomes. Funds may not be used to supplant existing funding sources, and all expenditures must comply with federal cost principles. Equipment must be installed within the facility and fully operational within the project period, which ends September 30, 2027. Eligibility for this opportunity is restricted to schools located in rural areas of North Dakota, including tribal, public, and private institutions. Schools located in designated urban areas such as Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and West Fargo are excluded. Only one application per school is permitted, although multiple equipment requests may be included within a single application if prioritized. Applicants must submit their proposals through the Qualtrics platform and include all required components, including narrative responses and a completed itemized budget template in Excel format. The application process requires detailed responses across several sections, including background information, project narrative, action plan, and budget justification. The project narrative must clearly articulate the identified need, proposed strategies, measurable outcomes, and sustainability plans. Applicants must also provide a timeline with milestones covering equipment identification, ordering, delivery, installation, and anticipated impact. Evaluation of applications is based solely on the content submitted and alignment with program goals, including improvements in physical activity, mental well-being, and overall student health metrics. The funding opportunity opened on June 30, 2026, and applications must be submitted by July 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM Central Time. A technical assistance call is scheduled for July 1, 2026, and additional guidance is provided through FAQs and regional development councils. Approximately 500000 dollars in total funding is available, with an estimated 20 awards of around 25000 dollars each. Successful applicants may be required to report on outcomes and program impact for up to five years, depending on federal requirements. This opportunity is part of a multi-year initiative and similar funding rounds may be offered in future years.

Be highly specific about equipment including brand and cost; provide strong need justification supported by data; ensure all costs including delivery and installation are included; align outcomes with measurable health and wellness metrics