The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to use broadband e-connectivity to improve access to healthcare and educational services in rural communities.
Rural Development will award grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. The grants can be used to finance telecommunication equipment, computer networks, and advanced technologies to support 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.
Proposals for projects whose primary purpose is to provide opioid prevention, treatment, or recovery will receive 10 priority points when applications are scored. USDA is approaching the opioid misuse crisis with a dedicated urgency because it impacts the quality of life, economic opportunity, and prosperity in rural communities.
Rural Development will also provide up to 10 priority points for projects that offer access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses.
The application deadline is June 4, 2018. Prior to applying, applicants are encouraged to review the 2018 Application Guide. For details about the program and how to apply, see page 14245 of the April 3, 2018, Federal Register.