MEDIA CONTACT
Alycia Davis, (402) 471-1449,
alycia.davis@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – Nebraska has posted Request for Applications (RFA) for additional grant opportunities under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
School Kitchen Modernization Grants: The Nebraska Department of Education is accepting applications for a grant opportunity that will provide more than $2.2 million in RHTP funding to help rural and frontier schools improve the quality of school meals. Eligible schools and school districts may receive up to $100,000 per year to upgrade food preparation and storage infrastructure, making it easier to prepare meals from scratch and incorporate more whole foods into school menus. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on highly processed “heat-and-serve" foods, increase access to healthier and more nutritious meals made with fresh ingredients, increase access to locally produced protein, and boost student participation in school meal programs. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2026, unless all available funds are committed prior to that date. Applications will be reviewed upon submission. For more information, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities.aspx#docaccess-6f7aa0f812cd8d4652ae95e8291646c0
Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals: This initiative will provide funding to help Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals upgrade their infrastructure, technology, and equipment. These improvements will support the expansion and enhancement of healthcare services, helping rural hospitals strengthen operations and improve long-term financial stability. This is a funding opportunity for Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals. Applications are ongoing. For more information, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities.aspx#docaccess-37474a5a69655701a1dcd10e0d40f967
Rural Virtual Reality (VR) and Skills Acceleration Network: This initiative supports healthcare education and workforce training by providing advanced learning opportunities for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, instructors, hospital staff, and other healthcare providers. This is a funding opportunity for eligible and qualified agencies to provide training to EMS and other healthcare professionals to build skills, improve patient care, and stay current with evolving healthcare needs by using VR and high-fidelity training equipment. Applications are due July 24, 2026. For more information and eligibility information, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RHTP%20Initiative%203.2%20RFA.pdf
Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis: This initiative supports rural hospitals and behavioral health providers with funding to purchase equipment and make small renovations to existing facilities in order to expand crisis response, stabilization, and substance use withdrawal services in rural communities. Eligible entities include local governments, Native American tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit entities located in and providing services in Nebraska that serve rural areas. Applications are due August 31, 2026. For more information, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities.aspx#docaccess-08afa255bf04f01226771fa8ca633a5a
DHHS intends to release multiple RFAs over the next five years to provide organizations with numerous opportunities to apply for funds and assist in implementing this important work. There will be additional application opportunities in each funding year, depending on funding availability.
RHTP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize rural health care and make it more sustainable. Nebraska's plan will build a prevention first, tech-enabled, sustainable rural health care system.
To learn more, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Rural-Health-Transformation.aspx.
The Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (US HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $218,529,075.01 with 100 percent funded by CMS/US HHS. The contents are those of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/US HHS, or the U.S. Government.