Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. | RUS 19 02 DLT

Opportunity Information: Apply for RUS 19 02 DLT

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service funding opportunity designed to help rural communities gain better access to education and health care services through modern communications technology. Authorized under 7 U.S.C. 950aaa and governed by the rules in 7 CFR part 1734, the program provides grant funding to support projects that either establish or improve distance learning and telemedicine capabilities in eligible rural areas. The basic goal is to reduce the disadvantages rural residents face when training opportunities, specialized instruction, or medical services are limited or far away, by connecting them to resources through reliable telecommunications-enabled tools.

DLT grant funds are intended for technology-focused investments that make remote education and telehealth workable and effective. The opportunity emphasizes equipment and advanced technologies that enable information-sharing and real-time interaction, including audio and video systems and other telecommunications-enabled solutions used by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. In practical terms, this can include building out or upgrading the equipment and end-user technology needed for interactive classrooms, remote instruction, clinical consultations, or other telemedicine services where rural patients and local providers can connect to distant specialists and institutions. The overarching purpose is to expand access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable in rural communities or only available in a limited way.

For FY 2019, applicants were directed to prepare proposals using the FY 2019 DLT Grant Program Application Guide hosted on the USDA Rural Development website (https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants). A key detail in the notice is that there were two separate DLT grant opportunities available that year, and applicants needed to make sure they were using the correct guide; specifically, they were warned not to use the application guide with "Opioid" in the title because that guide applied to a different DLT funding track. The notice also makes clear that any costs an applicant incurs while developing and submitting an application are at the applicant's own risk, meaning there is no reimbursement for proposal development expenses.

The eligible applicant pool is broad and includes many types of public, nonprofit, tribal, educational, and private entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and municipal governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled colleges and universities; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other tribal organizations; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The funding is categorized as a discretionary grant opportunity, with activity areas spanning education and health (CFDA number 10.855).

In terms of award size and scale, the listed award ceiling for this opportunity was $500,000 per award, and the agency anticipated making around 100 awards. The opportunity was posted on February 14, 2019, with an original closing date of May 15, 2019. The administering agency is the Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs, under the Rural Utilities Service.

Finally, the notice encourages proposals that show measurable, practical benefits for rural communities and that align with broader federal goals around rural prosperity. Applicants are nudged to think beyond simply purchasing equipment and to frame projects as strategic investments that strengthen rural communities through infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation. The specific strategies highlighted include achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America, developing the rural economy, harnessing technological innovation, supporting a rural workforce, and improving quality of life. In other words, competitive proposals are expected to connect technology investments to real-world outcomes like better educational access, improved clinical services, workforce training, and stronger long-term community sustainability.

• The Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants." and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.855.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 14, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 15, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 100 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for RUS 19 02 DLT

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: