Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) – Funding & Opportunities

Rural Health Care Program – Healthcare Connect Fund
Provides assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to broadband connectivity at a flat discounted rate of 65%. Participants can apply as a member of a consortium or a stand-alone entity.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
Sponsors: Federal Communications Commission, Universal Service Administrative Company

340B Drug Pricing Program
Allows certain facilities, such as Critical Access Hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and FQHC look-alikes, to purchase prescription and non-prescription medications at reduced cost.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Application Deadline: Apr 15, 2026
Sponsors: Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Pharmacy Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HUD Section 242: Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program
Loan and mortgage insurance program to help acute care hospital facilities with remodeling, expansion, modernization, equipment, refinancing, and acquisition. Critical Access Hospitals are eligible to apply.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: Federal Housing Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

NRHA Rural Health Nurse Certification Program
A leadership and certification program for current rural nurses.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: National Rural Health Association

NRHA Rural Hospital CEO Certification Program
A rural hospital leadership and certification program for current and future rural hospital CEOs.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: National Rural Health Association

NRHA Rural Hospital CFO Certification Program
A leadership and certification program for current Chief Financial Officers of rural hospitals.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: Center for Rural Health Leadership, National Rural Health Association

NRHA Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program
A leadership and certification program for current Chief Nursing Officers of rural hospitals.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: Center for Rural Health Leadership, National Rural Health Association

Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator
A 3-year initiative designed to eliminate rural health disparities by helping hospitals and clinicians provide high-quality evidence-based care. Assistance includes free access to evidence-based programs, consultants, networking, and recognition.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: American Heart Association

Rural Hospital Stabilization Program
Technical assistance for rural hospitals to help improve financial stability by enhancing or expanding healthcare services that meet community needs.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: National Rural Health Resource Center

Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) Site Activation
Apply to be an approved Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program site to receive assistance with recruitment and retention of qualified SUD clinicians and paraprofessionals.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services