The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the State Offices of Rural Health Coordination and Development Program (SORHCDP), with funding opportunity number HRSA-25-034. This program aims to build the capacity of the 50 State Offices of Rural Health (SORHs) and rural health stakeholders across the nation by strengthening leadership, fostering collaboration, offering education on emerging rural health issues, and supporting SORHs' core functions. The ultimate goal is to improve healthcare in rural areas.

Eligible applicants for this funding include non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and governmental entities at the state, local, and tribal levels. Applications are due by December 9, 2024, with an anticipated award date of July 15, 2025, and project start date on August 1, 2025. HRSA expects to provide up to $950,000 in funding for a cooperative agreement, with awards granted for a total five-year performance period (August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2030).

Key goals of the SORHCDP include:
1. Leadership Development: Offering leadership development at national, regional, state, and local levels to enhance the impact of SORH.
2. Partnerships and Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships among various stakeholders at different levels to improve the exchange of data, information, and best practices.
3. Addressing Emerging Rural Health Issues: Providing education on policy and emerging health issues, including rural health workforce development and other HRSA priorities.
4. SORH Capacity and Efficiency: Enhancing the capacity of SORH core functions to improve efficiency and support rural communities.

Applicants must collaborate with all 50 State Offices of Rural Health, ensuring that the proposal addresses the unmet needs of these offices and the rural populations they serve. The program also focuses on collecting and disseminating information, supporting rural health collaborations, and providing technical assistance to strengthen the performance of the SORH.

Applications will be evaluated based on the criteria of need (15 points), response (30 points), evaluation measures (10 points), impact (10 points), resources and capabilities (30 points), and support requested (5 points). In particular, reviewers will assess how well the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the needs of all 50 SORHs and proposes a strategy for addressing rural health challenges.

The program does not require cost-sharing or matching contributions, although applicants may voluntarily propose additional funds. Indirect costs are allowed, and applicants may use either an approved indirect cost rate or a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC).