[Rural Utilities Service](https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/agencies/rural-utilities-service)

June 30, 2026 (Full application deadline)

$50,000–$750,000 per grant | ~$27 million total program funding | 3-year project period | 15% applicant match required

Supports projects that expand distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas through advanced telecommunications technology.

Applicants must apply via Grants.gov and provide a 15% non-federal match.

--- ## Description This program provides competitive grants to help rural communities acquire advanced telecommunications technologies for distance learning and telemedicine. The goal is to improve access to education, training, and healthcare resources that would otherwise be limited or unavailable in rural regions. Projects may include the purchase and installation of audio, video, and interactive equipment, broadband facilities, computer hardware and software, and instructional programming. The program is designed to bridge gaps in rural education and healthcare by leveraging technology to connect remote areas to vital services. --- ## Due Dates - **June 30, 2026:** Full application submission deadline (via Grants.gov, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time). --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Range:** $50,000 (minimum) to $750,000 (maximum) per grant - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** ~$27 million for FY2026 - **Expected Number of Awards:** Approximately 100 - **Project Period:** Up to 3 years from the date funds are released - **Cost Sharing/Matching:** At least 15% of the grant amount requested (must be non-federal funds; in-kind contributions allowed if eligible) --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, or township governments - Special district governments - Public and private institutions of higher education - Independent school districts - Federally recognized Native American tribal governments - Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) **Additional eligibility notes:** - Applicants must deliver education or healthcare services to rural areas (populations of 20,000 or fewer, not adjacent to urban areas >50,000). - Entities created solely to apply for/manage grants (e.g., university or hospital foundations) must be able to own/manage grant-funded equipment. - Equipment vendors, manufacturers, and other businesses whose purpose is to sell technology for the proposed project cannot be applicants or affiliates. - Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active SAM.gov registration with Financial Assistance Representations and Certifications. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361474). - **Required Documents:** Standard Form 424, project site descriptions, executive summary, scoring criteria documentation, matching documentation, scope of work, financial and sustainability narrative, statement of experience, telecommunications system plan, compliance certifications, legal existence evidence, environmental review, and consultation with USDA State Director(s). - **Application Guide:** Detailed instructions and forms are available on the [program website](https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants). - **Matching Funds:** At least 15% of the grant request must be provided as a match (cash or eligible in-kind). Federal funds (including E-rate) generally cannot be used as match unless authorized by statute. - **Review:** Applications are competitively scored based on rurality, economic need, service needs/benefits, and community involvement. --- ## Additional Information - **Eligible Use of Funds:** Purchase/installation of eligible equipment, instructional programming, technical assistance, and limited broadband facilities (up to 20% of grant amount). - **Ineligible Uses:** Salaries/benefits for personnel, administrative expenses, recurring operating costs, land/building purchases, and services not directly related to distance learning or telemedicine. - **Reporting:** Annual performance and financial reports are required. - **Special provisions:** Projects involving Tribal lands require consent or resolution from the relevant Tribal authority. - **See the [Application Guide](https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/fy26-dlt-application-guide-final.pdf) for full requirements and detailed instructions. --- ## External Links - [Program Website](https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361474) - [FY2026 Application Guide (PDF)](https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/fy26-dlt-application-guide-final.pdf) - [Sample Worksheets (Excel)](https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/fy2026-dlt-sample-worksheet-final.xlsm) - [Application Checklist (PDF)](https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/fy26-dlt-checklist.pdf) - [General Field Representative Contacts](https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/telecom-gfr) - [SAM.gov Registration](https://www.sam.gov) - [SAIPE Poverty Data](https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/saipe-county-data-released-dec-2024.xls) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Unit | Email | Phone | Web/More Info | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | DLT Help Desk | [dltinfo@usda.gov](mailto:dltinfo@usda.gov) | 202-720-0800 | [Contact Form](https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/contact-us) | | Shekinah Pepper, Deputy Assistant Administrator | [shekinah.pepper@usda.gov](mailto:shekinah.pepper@usda.gov) | 202-720-0800 | | | General Field Representatives | — | — | [Find Your GFR](https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/telecom-gfr) | For program questions, use the [Contact Us Form](https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/contact-us) and select "Distance Learning & Telemedicine Program."

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants

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