Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) – Funding & Opportunities

Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program
Grants to support projects that will expand, enhance, and sustain the delivery of effective healthcare in rural communities.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Application Deadline: Jan 27, 2025
Sponsors: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program
Tax incentives for investments in business and economic development projects in distressed rural and urban counties, including capital investments in healthcare facilities. Investors give to Community Development Entities who then offer low-interest financing to businesses; in return for their investment, investors receive a tax credit against their federal income tax.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jan 29, 2025
Sponsors: Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, U.S. Department of Treasury

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, 2025
Sponsors: Federal Communications Commission, Universal Service Administrative Company

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

Primary Care Development Corporation Financing and Technical Assistance
Primary Care Development Corporation is a Community Development Financial Institution that provides loan products, training, resources, and technical assistance/business development services for healthcare providers in under-resourced communities with the goal of transforming and expanding primary care. Rural providers are encouraged to apply.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: Primary Care Development Corporation

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