Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
ID: 358016Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Rural Utilities Service (USDA-RUS)

Award Range

$50K - $1M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Regional Development

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358016

Additional Information

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants
Timeline
    Description

    The Rural Utilities Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is offering Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants aimed at enhancing educational and healthcare services in rural areas through technology. Eligible applicants, including small businesses, incorporated organizations, Indian tribes, and local governments, can request funding between $50,000 and $1,000,000 to support projects that improve access to distance learning and telemedicine services. This initiative is crucial for increasing rural access to essential resources that may otherwise be limited, thereby improving the quality of life in these communities. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically via Grants.gov by March 6, 2025, and are required to provide a matching contribution of at least 15% of the requested grant amount. For further information, applicants can contact Teresa Hunkapiller at 202-720-0800 or via email at dltinfo@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    dltinfo@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    dlt-checklist-fy-25.xlsx
    The FY2025 DLT Application Checklist outlines the required documentation and components for applicants seeking federal grants and RFPs related to broadband projects. It includes the completion of a Standard Form 424, a site worksheet, and an executive summary detailing the project's public significance. Key scoring criteria cover rurality, economic need, and service demand. Applicants must address matching requirements, specify activities in the scope of work, provide a comprehensive budget, and demonstrate financial sustainability. The checklist also necessitates a telecommunications systems plan, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and includes environmental assessments and consultations with state directors. Legal existence evidence and flood zone assurances are required, alongside certification of items like architectural barriers. This comprehensive structure ensures that applications are thoroughly vetted to promote effective broadband infrastructure development while adhering to federal standards and guidelines.
    dlt-worksheets-fy-25.xlsx
    The document outlines a project site worksheet framework for a federal program focused on distance learning and telemedicine (DLT) funding. It categorizes sites into Hub, End-User, and Hub/End-User designations, reflecting their roles in delivering educational or medical services. Eligibility criteria emphasize that Hub sites must be in rural areas unless they support rural End-User sites. The file includes scoring workbooks for assessing rurality and economic need, directing applicants on how to calculate points based on census populations and poverty rates, respectively. Applicants may qualify for special consideration points if their project serves distressed or socially vulnerable communities, including Tribal Lands. Key financial metrics include matching contributions, requiring at least a 15% match for grants. The structured worksheets aim to facilitate comprehensive project proposals and ensure alignment with funding requirements, thereby improving access to essential services in rural and underserved areas through telecommunications infrastructure. Overall, the document serves as a guideline for applicants to prepare eligible and competitive proposals for federal DLT grants.
    fy-25-dlt-app-guide.pdf
    The USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025 aims to enhance educational and healthcare services in rural areas through technology. Applicants can request between $50,000 and $1,000,000 to install equipment improving access to distance learning and telemedicine services. Eligible applicants include incorporated organizations, Indian tribes, and local governments. The program stipulates specific grant purposes such as acquiring eligible equipment, developing instructional programming, and providing technical assistance. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 6, 2025, and be accompanied by various documentation to demonstrate project feasibility and eligibility. Eligibility assessment includes meeting a minimum rurality score and providing a matching contribution of at least 15% of the requested grant amount. The program prohibits funding for ineligible purposes, including routine educational expenses or administrative costs. Key features also include rigorous scoring criteria for reviewing applications, focusing on rural need, economic factors, and community involvement, underscoring the program's commitment to improving rural quality of life through enhanced access to education and healthcare services.
    fy-25-dlt.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants for Fiscal Year 2025, potentially amounting to $40 million. This initiative aims to enhance distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas through grants to eligible applicants like educational institutions and healthcare entities. Applications must be submitted electronically by March 6, 2024, and must include matching contributions of at least 15% from applicants. Key priorities include improving market opportunities, advancing racial equity, and addressing climate change impacts. Projects will be evaluated based on rurality, economic need, and service needs, with additional points available for projects serving distressed communities or Tribal lands. Applicants must comply with federal regulations regarding nondiscrimination, procurement standards, and reporting. Faith-based organizations can apply but must maintain independence from government influence and cannot use funds for explicitly religious activities. The program emphasizes equitable access to resources and the need for careful documentation and eligibility requirements as part of the application process. Overall, this funding initiative reflects USDA's commitment to enhancing rural access to critical education and healthcare services through advanced technology.
    Similar Opportunities
    Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Rehabilitation Long-Term Training program-- Rehabilitation Technology ALN 84.129E
    Department of Education
    The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) program, specifically under the Rehabilitation Technology category (ALN 84.129E). This federal grant aims to provide financial assistance for academic training in vocational rehabilitation to address personnel shortages in the field, with a focus on training professionals to support individuals with various disabilities. Eligible applicants include states, public and private nonprofit agencies, organizations, and institutions of higher education, with a total estimated funding amount of $875,000 and an award ceiling of $175,000 per grant. Applications will be available starting June 20, 2025, with a submission deadline of July 17, 2025. For further information, applicants can contact Diandrea Bailey at the U.S. Department of Education via email at 84.129@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 245-6244.
    Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants
    Rural Housing Service
    The Rural Housing Service is offering the Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants, aimed at providing financial assistance for the repair of essential community facilities damaged by federally declared disasters in 2022. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit corporations, and Federally-recognized tribes located in rural areas affected by such disasters, with grants covering up to 75% of total project costs. With an estimated total funding of $50 million and the potential for up to 30 awards, applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are exhausted. Interested parties can reach out to Surabhi Dabir at Surabhi.dabir@usda.gov or by phone at 202-768-5875 for further information and guidance on the application process.
    Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants
    Rural Utilities Service
    The Rural Utilities Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is offering the Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program to assist rural communities in recovering from water infrastructure damages caused by Presidentially Declared Disasters in 2022. This program aims to provide at least $247.25 million in grant funding to eligible entities for expenses related to the repair and enhancement of water systems, including drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater projects, thereby improving community resilience and addressing long-term risks. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities, all of which must demonstrate legal authority, financial capability, and compliance with federal regulations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, and interested parties can contact Angela Tilghman at Water-RD@usda.gov or by phone at 302-857-3598 for further information.
    Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services: Rehabilitation Services Administration: Rehabilitation Training: Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program: Comprehensive System of Personnel Development ALN 84.129W
    Department of Education
    The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) program under the Rehabilitation Services Administration, aimed at addressing personnel shortages in vocational rehabilitation. This federal grant opportunity requires applicants to provide financial assistance primarily in the form of scholarships for students enrolled in training areas such as rehabilitation counseling and technology, with a minimum of 65% of project funds allocated for this purpose. The program is crucial for enhancing the skills of rehabilitation professionals to meet the specialized needs of individuals with disabilities, thereby improving service delivery in the field. Interested applicants should note that the application period runs from June 20 to July 17, 2025, with an estimated total program funding of $3 million and a maximum award ceiling of $200,000. For further inquiries, contact Diandrea Bailey at the U.S. Department of Education via email at 84.129@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 245-6244.
    Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program: Rehabilitation of Individuals Who Are Mentally Ill ALN 84.129H
    Department of Education
    The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program (RLTT) aimed at addressing personnel shortages in vocational rehabilitation, specifically for individuals with mental illnesses. This grant program requires that at least 65 percent of project funds be allocated as scholarships to students enrolled in training programs that focus on various disability conditions, including mental health disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disabilities. The total estimated funding for this initiative is $3 million, with approximately 15 awards expected to be made, and applications are due by July 17, 2025. For further information, applicants can contact Diandrea Bailey at the U.S. Department of Education via email at 84.129@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 245-6244.
    Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Rehabilitation Training: Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program-- Undergraduate Education in Rehabilitation Services ALN 84.129L
    Department of Education
    The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) program, aimed at addressing personnel shortages in vocational rehabilitation through discretionary grants. This program requires grantees to allocate at least 65% of project funds as scholarships to students specializing in various rehabilitation fields, including vocational rehabilitation and mental health services for individuals with disabilities. The RLTT program is crucial for enhancing the skills of personnel who support individuals with disabilities, thereby improving employment outcomes and fostering inclusivity in the workforce. Interested applicants, including states, nonprofit agencies, and educational institutions, should note that the application period opens on June 20, 2025, with a submission deadline of July 17, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Diandrea Bailey at the U.S. Department of Education via email at 84.129@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 245-6244.
    Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services: Rehabilitation Services Administration: Rehabilitation Training: Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program: Rehabilitation of Individuals Who are Hard of Hearing ALN 84.129Q
    Department of Education
    The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) program, specifically targeting the rehabilitation of individuals who are hard of hearing, under ALN 84.129Q. This federal grant aims to address personnel shortages in vocational rehabilitation by providing financial assistance for academic training, with a requirement that at least 65% of project funds be awarded as scholarships to students enrolled in the program. The RLTT program is crucial for developing skilled professionals capable of meeting the specialized needs of individuals with various disabilities, including physical and mental health conditions. Interested applicants, including states, public and private nonprofit agencies, and institutions of higher education, should note that applications will be available starting June 20, 2025, with a submission deadline of July 17, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Diandrea Bailey at the U.S. Department of Education via email at 84.129@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 245-6244.
    Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services: Rehabilitation Services Administration: Rehabilitation Training: Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program: Rehabilitation of Individuals Who Are Blind, Have Low Vision ALN 84.129P
    Department of Education
    The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) Program, aimed at addressing personnel shortages in vocational rehabilitation for individuals who are blind or have low vision. This grant program will provide financial assistance for academic training leading to master's degrees or certificates in specific rehabilitation fields, with a requirement that at least 65% of the funds be allocated for scholarships to support students enrolled in the program. The total estimated funding for this initiative is $1,575,000, with approximately nine awards anticipated, and applications will be accepted from June 20 to July 17, 2025. For further information, applicants can contact Diandrea Bailey at the U.S. Department of Education via email at 84.129@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 245-6244.
    Advancing Secure Digital Connectivity in Paraguay
    U.S. Mission to Paraguay
    The U.S. Mission to Paraguay is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Advancing Secure Digital Connectivity in Paraguay," aimed at enhancing rural internet connectivity and digital literacy in the country. The project objectives include expanding access to information and communications technologies (ICTs), building institutional capacity, and strengthening digital literacy among the population. This initiative is crucial for fostering technological advancement and improving the overall quality of life in rural areas. The funding for this cooperative agreement ranges from $5,919,000 to $6,000,000, with a single award anticipated. Interested applicants, specifically nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, should submit their proposals by August 4, 2025, and can reach out to AsuncionEmbassyGrants@state.gov for further inquiries.
    Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release
    Headquarters
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release," aimed at supporting clean energy projects in communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer. This initiative, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, seeks to lower energy costs, enhance access to clean energy, and promote environmental sustainability through various eligible activities, including improving energy systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With a total funding pool of $400 million, applicants can request between $2 million and $50 million, and must submit concept papers by February 27, 2025, with full applications due by August 28, 2025. For more information, interested parties can contact Margaret A. Davide-Smith at 240-306-4964 or via email at margaret.davide-smith@hq.doe.gov, and additional details can be found on the OCED Funding Opportunity Exchange website.