The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to use broadband technology 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 consorita of these are eligible to apply.
Proposals for projects whose primary purpose is either to provide opioid use disorder treatment and counseling services or to offer access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses will receive up to 10 priority points.
The application deadline is May 15, 2019. Grants are awarded through a national competition.
Each application must provide evidence of consultation with the Rural Development State Director. When requesting evidence of 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 as early as possible in the application process at erin.mcduff@or.usda.gov or at the following address:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Erin McDuff
1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
Prior to applying, applicants are encouraged to review the 2019 Traditional Application Guide. For additional details about the program and how to apply, see Funding Opportunity Announcement No. RUS-19-02-DLT.
Questions related to the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho may be directed to Joe Bradley, (208) 401-8090. Those with project proposals outside of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho should contact the General Field Representative serving their state.