Rural Northern Border Region Network Planning Program

The Rural Northern Border Region Network Planning Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that focuses on improving access to healthcare for underserved and rural populations. Through its Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, HRSA supports initiatives that strengthen healthcare delivery systems, particularly in geographically isolated regions. This funding opportunity aims to address persistent disparities in healthcare access and outcomes across the Northern Border Region, which includes Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The purpose of this program is to provide one-year funding to support the development of new healthcare networks or the strengthening of existing ones in rural communities within the Northern Border Region. The program emphasizes collaboration among healthcare providers and related stakeholders to improve care coordination, expand access to services, and enhance overall system efficiency. Applicants are expected to use network development strategies to address local healthcare challenges and improve outcomes for underserved rural populations. Funding under this program is structured as a single-year grant with a total program allocation of approximately 1.8 million dollars and an expected 18 awards. Individual awards may reach up to 100,000 dollars. Funds are intended for planning and network development activities and cannot be used for construction, acquisition of real property, or direct provision of clinical services. The program does not require cost sharing or matching contributions. The period of performance is 12 months, anticipated to run from September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2027. Eligibility is broad and includes domestic public and private entities, both nonprofit and for-profit, as well as tribal governments and organizations, healthcare providers such as hospitals and rural health clinics, and institutions of higher education. Applicants must be located in and serve HRSA-designated rural areas within the Northern Border Region. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate experience or capacity to serve rural populations and must form or represent a healthcare network consisting of at least three organizations, the majority of which must be located in qualifying rural areas. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Required application components include a project narrative, budget narrative, work plan, staffing plan, letters of commitment from network participants, and various supporting attachments documenting eligibility, partnerships, and service areas. Applicants must also register with SAM.gov and maintain an active account. Evaluation of applications is conducted through a merit-based review process assessing need, response strategy, evaluation plan, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Award decisions are expected to be made prior to the anticipated project start date of September 30, 2026. Successful applicants will be required to comply with federal grant regulations, reporting requirements, and performance measurement expectations. HRSA provides contact support for programmatic and financial inquiries, including a designated program analyst and grants management specialist. This funding opportunity is not explicitly described as recurring, though similar programs may be offered periodically depending on federal appropriations and policy priorities.

Strong applications clearly demonstrate rural healthcare need, include a well-defined network of partners, and present a realistic work plan aligned with program aims and measurable outcomes.