Clinics without Walls: Telehealth Infrastructure Grant Program

The Clinics without Walls: Telehealth Infrastructure funding opportunity is part of the North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program, a large scale initiative funded through federal legislation to improve healthcare delivery in rural communities. Administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services, the program is aligned with a broader federal effort to modernize care systems, expand access, and improve outcomes for rural and tribal populations. This specific funding opportunity supports Initiative 3, which focuses on bringing high quality healthcare closer to home through innovative delivery models such as telehealth. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand and strengthen telehealth infrastructure in rural areas of North Dakota that lack sufficient local healthcare providers. By supporting the development of telehealth access points and the acquisition of necessary equipment and technology, the program seeks to reduce geographic and transportation barriers. Eligible projects include establishing telehealth stations in community settings such as schools, libraries, pharmacies, and tribal health facilities, as well as deploying mobile units and community based access points. The funding also supports acquisition of hardware, software, and secure systems required to deliver reliable and compliant telehealth services. Funding can be used for a wide range of allowable costs including equipment purchases, technology platforms, infrastructure upgrades, and limited capital expenditures. Examples include cameras, computers, medical peripherals, secure networking systems, telehealth software, and data monitoring platforms. However, funds cannot be used for supplanting existing funding, replacing reimbursable services, or major construction activities. Capital expenditures are permitted but subject to federal limitations, and all purchases must be completed and delivered by the end of the performance period. There is no matching requirement specified for applicants. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that serve rural North Dakota residents, including rural tribal populations. Eligible entities include hospitals, clinics, behavioral health providers, long term care facilities, emergency medical services, pharmacies, public health units, and tribal organizations, excluding federally operated Indian Health Service facilities. Applicants located in designated urban areas must demonstrate that at least fifty percent of the population served is rural or that funding will directly benefit rural residents. Projects must focus on communities without existing comparable healthcare providers and demonstrate clear benefits to access, outcomes, and care coordination. Applications must be submitted through the Qualtrics platform and include several required components such as organizational background information, a detailed project narrative, an action plan with timeline and milestones, and a comprehensive budget using the provided template. The project narrative must clearly describe the need, proposed strategies, measurable outcomes, and sustainability plan. Applicants must also outline how their project aligns with program metrics, including increasing telehealth utilization and improving rural health outcomes over time. Supporting documentation such as letters of support may be required to demonstrate site readiness and stakeholder engagement. Applications will be evaluated based on the strength of the proposal, alignment with program goals, feasibility, and potential impact on rural healthcare access and outcomes. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate clear improvements in access, coordination, and preventive services, particularly in underserved or tribal communities. Award decisions are expected following the review process, and selected applicants will enter into agreements with the state agency. The performance period begins upon contract execution and runs through August 31, 2027, with ongoing reporting requirements that may extend up to five years. The application deadline is August 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. A technical assistance call was scheduled prior to the deadline to support applicants, and additional guidance materials and frequently asked questions are made available through the program website. This funding opportunity is part of a multi year initiative, and similar funding rounds are expected in future years, allowing organizations to apply again as new cycles are announced.

Prioritize clear demonstration of improved access reduced barriers and measurable outcomes Focus on underserved rural and tribal populations and align with telehealth expansion metrics