The Rural Health Network Development Planning Program (HRSA-25-041) is offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding opportunity supports the development of integrated health care networks in rural communities. The intent is to help rural communities better address challenges related to access, coordination, and quality of essential health services. This program allows newly forming or loosely organized rural health networks to conduct planning activities that strengthen the network's capacity to coordinate and deliver health care services effectively.

The main objective of the program is to assist in the planning and development of integrated health care networks. These networks aim to enhance access, sustainability, and quality of health care services in rural areas through collaboration. Eligible applicants must be part of a network composed of at least three health care provider organizations, with all participating members serving rural populations. Networks are expected to use funding to formalize or advance their operational infrastructure, partnerships, and planning mechanisms.

Funds may be used for a range of planning activities. These include conducting community health needs assessments, strategic planning, business planning, and workforce development planning. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with key public health goals such as improving access to care, integrating behavioral and physical health services, supporting maternal health, and addressing social determinants of health. Emphasis is also placed on engaging populations with historically limited access to health care.

Eligible applicants include domestic public and private nonprofit or for-profit entities, including community-based organizations, tribal organizations, and faith-based organizations. However, the lead applicant must be located in a rural area as defined by HRSA’s rural eligibility criteria. The network must consist of at least three separate entities and be composed of health care providers. The lead applicant must have documented evidence of existing or planned network relationships.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. The application package includes required forms such as the SF-424, project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation. Applicants are required to demonstrate how they will use the planning year to develop capacity for network governance, financial sustainability, and integrated service delivery.

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as the need for the project, the strength of the proposed network, the feasibility and appropriateness of the work plan, the capacity of the applicant organization, and the evaluation strategy. Reviewers will assess the ability of the proposed project to enhance care access and coordination in rural communities.

The application period opens on January 12, 2024, and closes on April 15, 2024. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date. This is not a rolling grant and is not explicitly stated as recurring. HRSA recommends early submission to avoid potential issues with Grants.gov.