The Rural Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Planning and Development is a funding opportunity administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration under the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. This initiative aims to expand access to comprehensive medical and social services for aging populations in rural areas through the development or expansion of PACE programs. The funding opportunity supports organizations in either establishing a new PACE site or expanding an existing PACE service area into designated rural regions.

The primary objective of the program is to improve healthcare access for elderly individuals in rural communities by providing funding for organizations to develop sustainable PACE programs. The funding can be used to support new PACE applications with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or assist current PACE providers in expanding their service areas into rural locations. The ultimate goal is to ensure that more elderly individuals in underserved rural areas receive high-quality, community-based healthcare services.

Funding is available for two pathways. The initial PACE program pathway supports organizations seeking to establish a PACE program for the first time in a rural area. The service area expansion pathway provides funds to existing PACE organizations that want to expand their services into rural areas or add a new PACE center to serve additional rural populations. Applicants must select one pathway and demonstrate their capacity to implement a successful PACE program.

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, state and local governments, tribal organizations, independent school districts, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and community-based organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications must demonstrate experience or the capacity to serve rural populations and must include a detailed plan for long-term sustainability.

The total funding available for fiscal year 2025 is two million dollars, with up to four awards expected. Each award will provide up to five hundred thousand dollars for a period of performance spanning four years. The funding is subject to availability and appropriations. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant.

Applications are due by April 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The expected award date is September 1, 2025, with the project period beginning on September 30, 2025. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov before submission. The application must include a project narrative, work plan, budget, and required attachments such as agreements with partner entities and a sustainability plan.

Applications will be evaluated based on need, response, work plan, performance reporting, impact, resources and capabilities, and budget justification. Applicants in states that have approved state benefits for PACE may receive priority consideration. The program does not guarantee CMS approval for PACE applications, and organizations must work with their state administering agency and CMS to meet regulatory requirements.

For additional information, applicants can contact Katherine Lloyd at klloyd@hrsa.gov or call 301-443-2933. Questions about financial and budget matters should be directed to Kimberly Dews at kdews@hrsa.gov or 301-443-0655.