Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant
Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant supports family medicine residency programs by funding current and new training positions to expand rural training and strengthen Minnesota’s rural physician workforce.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Health
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (Letter of intent) | October 30, 2026 (Full application); both at 4:30 p.m. Central Time
Funding Amounts: Approximately $1,000,000 for 3–4 grantees; up to $400,000 per new residency position
Summary: Supports current and new family medicine residency positions to expand training and strengthen rural physician practice in Minnesota.
Key Information: Applicants must be existing nonprofit residency programs outside Minnesota’s seven-county metropolitan area and meet graduate-placement and accreditation requirements.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Rural Health and Primary Care administers this program to address the shortage of primary care physicians in rural Minnesota. Created by the Minnesota Legislature and authorized under Minnesota Statutes section 144.1912, it supports current and new positions in eligible, existing nonprofit family medicine residency programs, with priority given to new positions.
The program focuses on residencies located in rural areas that train family medicine physicians to serve rural communities and have a track record of placing graduates in rural Minnesota. Expanding training opportunities gives residents experience and connections in rural settings that can encourage them to remain in rural practice. Funding supports both sustaining existing residency capacity and expanding it through additional positions.
