Rural Health Network Advancement Program

The Rural Health Network Advancement Program is a federal discretionary grant opportunity administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is identified under opportunity number HRSA-26-082 and is listed within Assistance Listing 93.912, Rural Healthcare Services Programs. This initiative is designed as a pilot program to strengthen integrated network collaboration among independent rural hospitals and clinics that face operational and financial pressures within an increasingly consolidated health care system environment. The opportunity specifically seeks to help rural providers preserve local autonomy while improving long-term operational sustainability and expanding access to care in underserved rural communities. The program supports the development and advancement of rural health care networks composed of independent rural providers working collaboratively to address structural barriers that often prevent smaller organizations from competing effectively with larger consolidated systems. According to the funding notice, the grant aims to create economic efficiencies for small rural entities through integrated network collaboration. Activities supported under the program may include strengthening operations, preserving existing clinical services, improving care coordination, and developing new lines of care that can improve access and continuity of services for rural populations. The initiative emphasizes network-based approaches that maintain local governance and decision-making authority while enhancing collective operational capacity. The estimated total program funding available for this opportunity is $3,000,000, with an estimated six awards expected to be issued. Individual awards may be funded up to $500,000. The funding opportunity does not include a cost sharing or matching requirement, making participation more accessible to organizations with limited financial flexibility. The funding announcement does not specify a minimum award amount, and the published award floor is listed as zero, which should be interpreted as unspecified rather than an actual minimum funding level. The estimated project start date is September 30, 2026, following an anticipated award date of August 1, 2026. The program appears to support implementation activities that strengthen rural health delivery systems through collaborative operational and strategic planning activities. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include domestic public and private nonprofit entities, for-profit organizations, tribal governments, tribal organizations, hospitals, Rural Emergency Hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Community Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, institutions of higher education, school districts, housing authorities, local governments, state governments, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations regardless of IRS 501(c)(3) status. Faith-based and community-based organizations are also eligible to apply. Although applicant organizations may be located in either rural or urban areas, applicants must demonstrate experience serving underserved populations in rural communities or demonstrate the organizational capacity to provide services benefiting rural populations. The notice specifically emphasizes support for underserved rural populations and collaborative rural health network development. The opportunity is currently in forecast status on Grants.gov. The estimated posting date for the full application announcement is May 20, 2026, and the estimated application due date is June 24, 2026. Applications must be electronically submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the listed due date. The current forecast information does not identify any required pre-application materials such as a letter of intent, concept paper, or pre-proposal stage. Similarly, no mandatory webinars, question submission deadlines, or supplemental application stages are described in the forecast notice. Applicants should expect additional submission requirements, application components, evaluation criteria, and allowable cost guidance to be released when the full Notice of Funding Opportunity is officially posted. The opportunity is categorized as a federal health funding program and is expected to remain highly competitive due to the limited number of awards relative to the broad national eligibility pool. Organizations considering applying should prepare collaborative network structures, document rural service experience, and identify operational improvement goals that align with the initiative’s emphasis on integrated collaboration and preservation of independent rural health systems. The funding notice identifies Maribel Nunez as the grant contact for the opportunity. Interested applicants may contact the program at mnunez@hrsa.gov or by phone at 301-443-0466 for additional information related to the forecasted announcement. Because this opportunity is currently forecasted rather than fully posted, applicants should monitor HRSA and Grants.gov closely for the official release of the complete funding guidance and application package.

Emphasize integrated network collaboration among independent rural providers, demonstrate strategies for operational strengthening and preservation of local autonomy, and document capacity to serve underserved rural populations.