Rural Health Network Advancement Program

The Rural Health Network Advancement Program (RHNAP) is a pilot initiative established by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA plays a pivotal role in improving access to healthcare services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. This program exemplifies HRSA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing rural health infrastructure and supporting the sustainability of small healthcare providers through integrated collaboration models. This grant opportunity is aimed at supporting networks that consist of independent rural hospitals and clinics by facilitating integrated network collaboration. The RHNAP addresses key structural challenges that small rural providers face in the competitive and increasingly consolidated healthcare system. These challenges include limited resources, geographical isolation, and fragmented service delivery. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency, maintain existing services, and introduce new lines of care while preserving the autonomy of local rural healthcare entities. The funding scope allows for the development and strengthening of collaborative networks that help rural providers build financial sustainability and improve healthcare delivery. By supporting organizational and network capacity building, the program intends to offset structural disadvantages through integrated strategies. While no cost sharing or matching funds are required, applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed network will contribute to more effective rural healthcare systems. Funding is awarded through a discretionary grant, with an estimated total program funding of $1,000,000, distributed over an expected two awards. Each award is capped at $500,000. Eligibility is broad and inclusive. Applications are accepted from public or private, nonprofit or for-profit domestic entities, including community-based and faith-based organizations, as well as tribes and tribal organizations. While applicant organizations may be located in urban or rural areas, they must show demonstrated experience serving, or the capacity to serve, underserved rural populations. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects HRSA’s commitment to reaching the most vulnerable rural populations through diverse partnerships and organizational models. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. The forecasted posting date for the funding opportunity is April 23, 2026, and the estimated application deadline is June 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Award notifications are expected by August 30, 2026, and funded projects will commence on September 30, 2026. No pre-application stages, such as a letter of intent or concept paper, are required for this program. For further information, applicants can contact Maribel Nunez at mnunez@hrsa.gov or by phone at 301-443-0466. While this opportunity does not currently provide a PDF or NOFO document link, more detailed application guidance is expected to be available upon the official posting date. This program is forecasted and has not yet opened for applications, with its first cycle planned for spring/summer 2026. It is not currently designated as recurring, so interested applicants are encouraged to monitor HRSA’s website or Grants.gov for updates regarding future cycles.