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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Funding by Topic: Recruitment and retention of health professionals

Summaries of funding programs are provided by RHIhub for your convenience. Please contact the funder directly for the most complete and current information.

Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant (R-EMS)
Grants to recruit and train emergency medical services personnel in rural areas with a focus on addressing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories
Application Deadline: Jul 16, 2026
Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Grants to States to Support Oral Health Workforce Activities
Offers funding to states to develop and implement programs that address the oral health workforce needs of designated Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jul 17, 2026
Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program
Direct financial assistance for rural hospitals facing structural payment disadvantages with the goal of maintenance of healthcare providers, which will in turn maintain essential health services and prevent avoidable hospital closures.
Geographic coverage: Specific hospitals in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia
Application Deadline: Jul 27, 2026
Sponsors: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Catalyst Program
Funding for economic development initiatives in the northern border region of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, with priority given to rural and disadvantaged communities. Project areas include basic healthcare; workforce development; and public, transportation, and telecommunications infrastructure, among others.
Geographic coverage: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont
Letter of Intent (Required): Aug 18, 2026
Application Deadline: Oct 16, 2026
Sponsor: Northern Border Regional Commission
Idaho Rural Health Care Access Program (RHCAP)
Awards funding to organizations for projects that help rural communities improve access to primary medical and dental healthcare through telehealth, community development, and recruitment/retention projects.
Geographic coverage: Idaho
Application Deadline: Aug 30, 2026
Sponsors: Idaho Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Wisconsin Rural Provider Loan Assistance Program
Loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and dentists practicing in an outpatient setting in a rural community in Wisconsin.
Geographic coverage: Wisconsin
Application Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
Sponsor: Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program
2-year technical assistance program for rural hospitals to address financial and operational challenges and help maintain essential health services in rural communities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
Sponsors: Georgia Southern University Center for Public Health Practice and Research, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
NOSORH Rural Health University: Workforce+
A national certification program designed to help rural healthcare organizations strengthen recruitment, retention, and workforce stability.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Oct 7, 2026
Sponsors: National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, Wintergreen
Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program
Grants for organizations working to abate and alleviate the impacts of the opioid crisis and co-occurring substance use challenges in South Dakota communities. Rural behavioral health workforce, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) training, and telehealth in rural communities are among the approved uses of funds.
Geographic coverage: South Dakota
Application Deadline: Nov 30, 2026
Sponsors: South Dakota Department of Health, South Dakota Department of Social Services
South Dakota Rural Healthcare Facility Recruitment Assistance Program
A monetary incentive to health professionals who complete a 3 year service agreement at a rural facility in South Dakota. Facilities apply for matching funds to help with their recruitment efforts.
Geographic coverage: South Dakota
Application Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
Sponsor: South Dakota Office of Rural Health