The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to improve access to distance learning and telemedicine in rural areas.
Up to $44.5 million is available nationwide this year through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. Of this amount, $10.2 million is intended for projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services.
Rural Development will award individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. The grants can be used to finance telecommunications equipment, computer networks, and advanced technologies to support virtual job training, academic instruction, or access to specialized medical care in rural areas.
Most state and local government entities, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits, for-profit businesses, or a consortia of these are eligible to apply.
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than June 4, 2021. The grants are awarded through a national competition.
Prior to applying, applicants are encouraged to review the Program Application Guide for Fiscal Year 2021. To discuss your project concept, contact John Holman, Telecommunications General Field Representative, (503) 310-7692.
Each application must provide evidence of consultation with the Rural Development State Director. When requesting consultation, applicants should provide an executive summary of the project, as well as the proposed grant and match amounts. Applicants in Oregon should contact the state office at erin.mcduff@usda.gov no later than May 28, 2021.