USDA Accepting Applications For Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is accepting applications for grants that assist rural and Tribal communities gain access to remote educational opportunities and health care.
USDA is making approximately $60 million in funding available under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program. This program funds distance learning and telemedicine services, like audio and video equipment, to digitally connect people to education, training and health care resources that are limited or unavailable in remote parts of the country.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant funding expands opportunities for: Students to participate in classes that may be in places that are too far to access in person.
Teachers to provide their expertise, trainings, and educational services to students across the country.
Patients to seek specialized care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their homes or communities.
Eligible applicants include state and local government entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for-profit businesses.
USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance the following priorities: •Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
•Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefit from RD-funded projects.
•Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than April 29. Additional program information is available online and via the Feb. 29 Federal Register.
For more information about the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants for Montana, contact Peter Hawkes, Rural Utilities Service Telecom General Field Representative for Montana and Idaho, at peter.hawkes@usda.gov.
