The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has shared several updates on upcoming Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding opportunities, along with status updates on previously closed grant programs. These opportunities are expected to support rural hospitals, clinics, long-term care providers, and community health partners across the state.
Healthcare-Focused Opportunities
- Hospital-Based Wellness Equipment Grants
Designed to support healthier work environments for healthcare staff, this opportunity will provide approximately $500,000 in total funding. An estimated 10 awards for approximately $50,000 are expected to be funded. This funding opportunity is accepting applications through 5 p.m. CT on July 30, 2026. Applicants must be a rural hospital, which are defined for this funding opportunity as a critical access hospital (CAH). This includes non-federally operated Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities and tribally run 638 health facilities. - EMR Enhancements
This funding is intended for organizations ready to advance existing electronic medical record systems without participating in the cooperative purchasing planning period. Five awards of $500,000 each are expected. Eligible entities include CAHs, rural FQHCs, rural hospital systems, and non-federally funded Indian Health Service (IHS) tribal facilities. Deadline: July 29, 2026 - AI Innovation Grants
Focused on expanding rural healthcare capacity through artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, this opportunity aims to improve care coordination and patient access. Approximately six awards of $200,000 each are anticipated. Eligible applicants include skilled nursing facilities, tribal clinics, FQHCs, rural Prospective Payment System (PPS) hospital campuses, CAH campuses and pharmacies. - Self-Serve Dispensing Kiosks in Pharmacies
This opportunity supports improved medication access and adherence by funding self-dispensing kiosks in rural pharmacies. A total of $600,000 is expected to be available. Eligible applicants include retail pharmacies serving rural populations and pharmacies located within rural or CAHs. - An additional funding opportunity – Childcare Support for Healthcare Providers – does not have an anticipated posting release date but is expected in the near future.
Education and School-Based Opportunities
- School Wellness Equipment Grants
This opportunity focuses on creating healthier learning environments by investing in wellness-focused equipment that supports students’ physical, mental and emotional well-being. These efforts are closely tied to improved academic success, attendance, engagement and overall school climate. Approximately $500,000 in funding is anticipated with an estimated 20 awards for approximately $25,000 expected to be funded. This funding opportunity is accepting applications through 5 p.m. CT on July 30, 2026. Eligible applicants must be tribal, public and private schools located in rural North Dakota. - Preschool Wellness – Play Lab
This initiative supports early childhood wellness and development through play-based learning environments. PlayLabs help young children build foundational skills such as physical activity, communication, problem-solving and collaboration while improving school readiness and overall well-being. Funding amounts are to be determined. Eligible applicants include rural and tribal early childhood programs and centers across North Dakota. Posting timeline is also to be determined.
Status of Previously Closed Opportunities
HHS also provided updates on several previously announced funding programs that are progressing through review and approval stages.
Completing CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) for approvals and moving into awarding:
- Workforce Retention Funding for CAHs and their owned and operated clinics (some award notifications have been issued; additional notifications are pending)
Moving into budget review and approval:
- Expand Rural Health Care Rotations
- Zero-Hour Physical Education Initiatives
- Rightsizing Rural Health Care Delivery Systems for the Future (Rural FQHCs and CAHs)
- Behavioral Health Promotion Community Grants
- Community Garden Projects
- Community-Based Walking Programs
- Suicide Intervention – Healthcare Systems Initiative
Currently in scoring phase:
- Ensuring Safety Net Service Delivery
- Suicide Intervention – Healthcare Systems Initiative
Organizations are encouraged to closely monitor the Rural Health Transformation Website for announcements as these opportunities open and awards continue to be finalized. Early preparation may help position applicants for success as application windows are expected to be competitive and time-sensitive.
Red River Regional Council (RRRC) has been contracted to provide coordination, outreach, stakeholder engagement, and technical assistance to support grant promotion, applicant understanding, and successful participation in the program in Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh Counties. Kristi Kasprick, Project Manager with RRRC is the lead contact for all Rural Health Transformation Program grant opportunities. If you have questions or would like assistance with any of these grant opportunities, please contact Kristi at kristi@redriverrc.com or 701.361.5705.
Learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program and available funding opportunities.