Hospital-Based Wellness Equipment Grant

The Hospital-Based Wellness Equipment funding opportunity is administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services as part of the broader Rural Health Transformation Program, a federally supported initiative established under Public Law 119-21 and funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This multi-year program aims to strengthen rural healthcare systems by improving access, workforce sustainability, and overall health outcomes in underserved communities. Within this framework, the Hospital-Based Wellness Equipment opportunity specifically targets improvements in the health and well-being of rural hospital staff, recognizing that workforce wellness directly impacts patient care quality and system stability. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the acquisition of wellness-related equipment for rural hospitals in North Dakota. Eligible equipment includes a wide range of items designed to improve physical health, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being among healthcare workers. Examples include cardiovascular machines, strength training equipment, recovery tools, ergonomic supports, and mental health or sensory resources. The program emphasizes that equipment must be located within hospital facilities and integrated into daily workflows. Applicants are expected to demonstrate clear alignment between the equipment requested and measurable improvements in staff wellness and patient care outcomes. Funding is intended to support expansion and enhancement rather than replacement of existing programs. Applicants must ensure that requested funds do not duplicate other funding sources and comply with federal cost principles outlined in applicable regulations. Approximately five hundred thousand dollars in total funding is available for this opportunity, with an estimated ten awards of about fifty thousand dollars each. The performance period begins upon execution of the funding agreement and extends through September 30, 2027, by which time all funds must be expended and all purchased equipment delivered. Eligibility is limited to rural hospitals in North Dakota defined as Critical Access Hospitals. This includes non federally operated Indian Health Service facilities and tribally operated facilities under section 638 agreements. Facilities located in designated urban areas, including specific cities such as Fargo and Bismarck, are not eligible. Clinics, behavioral health facilities, and federally operated Indian Health Service hospitals are also excluded. Only one application per organization is permitted, though applicants may prioritize multiple equipment requests within that submission. The application process requires submission through the Qualtrics platform and includes several key components. Applicants must provide organizational background information, a detailed project narrative outlining identified needs and proposed strategies, an action plan with milestones and timelines, and a comprehensive budget using a specified template. The narrative must include clearly defined outcomes, strategies, services, and tasks, all aligned with program metrics such as increased wellness participation, improved physical activity, and enhanced mental well-being. Applications must also include detailed equipment specifications, cost justifications, and sustainability plans demonstrating how benefits will continue after funding ends. Applications are evaluated based solely on the materials submitted, using a structured scoring tool. Review criteria emphasize clarity of need, alignment with program goals, feasibility of implementation, and potential for measurable impact. Successful applicants may be required to submit ongoing reports, including progress updates and impact stories, for up to five years. The administering agency retains the right to request revisions or additional information and may adjust proposed budgets during the review process. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. Central Time. A technical assistance call was scheduled for July 1, 2026 to provide guidance and answer applicant questions, with additional resources and frequently asked questions made available afterward. Questions may be submitted in advance, and applicants are encouraged to engage with regional development councils for support. This opportunity represents a targeted investment in the well-being of rural healthcare workers, with the broader goal of strengthening healthcare delivery systems across North Dakota.

Be highly specific about equipment specifications costs and installation details; clearly justify need with data; align outcomes with program metrics; ensure budget accuracy including full lifecycle costs; demonstrate sustainability beyond funding period