Rural Health Network Advancement Program

The Rural Health Network Advancement Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. This program is designed to strengthen rural health systems by supporting existing rural health care networks that demonstrate the capacity to collaborate and deliver coordinated services. The initiative reflects longstanding federal efforts to stabilize and improve rural health infrastructure, particularly in response to persistent challenges such as provider shortages, hospital closures, limited economies of scale, and financial instability in rural communities. The primary purpose of the program is to provide targeted funding to established rural health networks so they can advance their current level of development. Rather than supporting the creation of new networks, the program focuses on networks that already have a formal governance structure, history of collaboration, and demonstrated ability to serve rural populations. Funded projects are expected to expand access to care, improve quality of services, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen financial sustainability. The program emphasizes measurable progress, requiring applicants to clearly describe their current state, desired future state, and how grant funding will bridge that gap. Funding supports two distinct tracks: an operational track and a clinical services track. The operational track focuses on improving administrative efficiency, shared services, and financial performance through strategies such as centralized billing, data analytics, and joint contracting. The clinical services track supports the development or expansion of service lines such as behavioral health, cardiology, or maternal health, with the goal of increasing patient access and generating sustainable revenue streams. Funds may be used for infrastructure, workforce development, technology, and service delivery improvements, but cannot be used for construction, real property acquisition, or unrelated equipment costs. There is no cost-sharing requirement, though voluntary contributions become binding if proposed. Eligible applicants include a wide range of domestic public and private entities, including nonprofits, for-profit organizations, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, tribal organizations, and government entities. However, applicants must represent a formal rural health network composed of at least three separately owned health care providers and must demonstrate that at least two-thirds of network members are located in HRSA-designated rural areas. Applicants must also consult with their State Office of Rural Health and provide documentation of that consultation. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by the stated deadline, and applicants must maintain active registrations in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov systems. Required components include a project narrative, budget and budget narrative, work plan, staffing plan, and multiple supporting attachments documenting network structure, governance, and prior collaboration. Applications are evaluated through a competitive merit review process based on criteria including need, response, evaluation plan, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 24, 2026, with awards expected to begin on September 30, 2026. The period of performance spans four years, divided into four 12-month budget periods. Funding decisions are contingent on federal appropriations and agency priorities. Successful applicants will be required to participate in ongoing reporting, data collection, and technical assistance activities, and must demonstrate progress toward sustainability of project activities beyond the federal funding period. Program contacts are available for both programmatic and financial inquiries, and applicants are encouraged to engage early in the process to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Emphasize measurable advancement and sustainability; clearly demonstrate network maturity and prior collaboration; align project with chosen funding track; ensure all required attachments prove network structure and rural service coverage