Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Description: The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. These grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. These grants are intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope.

Eligible applicants: For both programs, eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications, including:

  • Most State and local governmental entities
  • Federally-recognized Tribes
  • Non-profit entities
  • For-profit businesses
  • Consortia of eligible entities

Eligible activities:

  • Acquisition of eligible capital assets, such as:
    • Broadband transmission facilities
    • Audio, video, and interactive video equipment
    • Terminal and data terminal equipment
    • Computer hardware, network components and software
    • Inside wiring and similar infrastructure that further distance learning and/or telemedicine services
  • Acquisition of instructional programming that is a capital asset
  • Acquisition of technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment

Award ceiling (MAX): $1 million

Award floor (MIN): $50,000

Funding Availability: $71.7 million*

*The CARES Act includes an additional $25 million for this program. USDA will open a second application cycle for this funding April 14 – July 13, 2020.

Application cycle: February 10 – April 10, 2020 and April 14 – July 13, 2020

Special considerations:

  • A minimum 15% match is required (cannot be from another federal source)

More information: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants

Who can tell me more?

Contact your General Field Representative (GFR) for guidance related to your specific community.

To apply: Visit HERE