Delta States Rural Development Network Program

The Delta States Rural Development Network Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that focuses on improving health care access and outcomes in rural communities. This program is designed to strengthen rural health systems across the Mississippi Delta Region, which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. The initiative reflects a broader federal commitment to addressing disparities in rural health infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas where access to coordinated and high-quality care remains limited. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the planning, development, and implementation of integrated health care networks. These networks must consist of at least three collaborating organizations that work together to expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and enhance efficiency in delivering basic health services. The program emphasizes collaboration among providers and stakeholders to address chronic disease, improve preventive care, and strengthen the overall rural health system. Applicants are required to focus their projects on one or two specific health priority areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, stroke, respiratory disease, cancer, or substance use and injury. Funding is intended to support a wide range of allowable activities including network development, care coordination, implementation of evidence-based models, and infrastructure improvements that lead to sustainable health outcomes. Awards are structured over a three-year period with annual budget cycles, and applicants must demonstrate how funds will be used effectively across participating network organizations. There is no cost-sharing requirement, although applicants may voluntarily contribute resources. However, all funded activities must comply with federal regulations and cannot support prohibited activities outlined in the notice. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, tribal entities, and for-profit organizations, provided they demonstrate the capacity to serve rural populations in the Delta region. Applicants must represent a network with at least three independent organizations, with at least two-thirds located in HRSA-designated rural areas. Additionally, applicants must coordinate with their State Office of Rural Health and ensure that all proposed activities are confined to eligible geographic service areas within the Delta region. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, work plan, staffing plan, and supporting documentation including memoranda of agreement with network partners. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including demonstrated need, project approach, performance management, anticipated impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The review process includes both eligibility screening and a competitive merit review conducted by a panel. The timeline for this opportunity includes a notice of funding release in July 2026, with applications due on August 12, 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by September 1, 2026, with a project start date of September 30, 2026. The program operates on a three-year performance period ending in September 2029. Recipients are required to submit regular performance and financial reports, as well as a sustainability plan to ensure long-term continuation of project benefits beyond federal funding. Program contacts are provided for both programmatic and financial inquiries, including a public health analyst and a grants management specialist within HRSA. Applicants are encouraged to attend informational webinars and utilize available federal resources to strengthen their proposals. Overall, this funding opportunity aims to create lasting improvements in rural health systems through coordinated, data-driven, and community-focused network approaches.

Align project with evidence based models and clearly demonstrate rural impact; Ensure network composition meets requirements; Provide strong data driven needs assessment; Clearly define roles and measurable outcomes