The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has announced the Fiscal Year 2025 Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants program, aimed at improving education and healthcare services in rural areas through advanced telecommunications technology. The program supports the acquisition of audio, video, and interactive communication equipment, as well as broadband facilities, to bridge the gap in healthcare and education services for remote communities. With an estimated total funding of $40 million, including a $5 million set-aside for COVID-19-related projects, this grant opportunity is intended to address critical barriers to access in underserved regions.

The DLT program focuses on providing rural communities with telemedicine and distance learning capabilities, fostering increased access to specialized medical services and educational resources. Eligible projects may include telehealth infrastructure to address opioid and substance use disorders, video conferencing technologies for remote learning, and telecommunication systems to support rural clinics and schools. At least 20% of the funds will be reserved for projects targeting substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Eligible applicants include most entities with legal capacity to contract with the federal government, including state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, and institutions of higher education. Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applicants must also provide a 15% matching contribution, either in cash or in-kind, for the grant funds requested.

Grant amounts will range from $50,000 to $1,000,000, with a performance period of up to three years. Projects must demonstrate clear outcomes, addressing economic and social barriers faced by rural populations, and include strategies for long-term sustainability. Applications will be evaluated on rurality, economic need, service needs and benefits, and special considerations for projects benefiting distressed communities, advancing equity and inclusion, or serving Tribal lands.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by March 6, 2025. Required components include an SF-424 application form, an executive summary, a scope of work, a sustainability plan, documentation of financial resources, and evidence of compliance with federal regulations. Projects proposing service on Tribal lands require either a letter of consent or a Tribal resolution, depending on the scope of the project.

Evaluation criteria include population size of service areas, economic need based on poverty levels, community involvement, and the extent to which projects address equity and environmental priorities. RUS reserves the right to adjust funding based on availability and the alignment of proposed projects with program goals.

Successful applicants will receive formal award notifications, followed by a grant agreement outlining compliance requirements. Awardees are required to submit annual and final performance reports, financial audits, and compliance documentation. For additional guidance, applicants can access the DLT program’s Application Guide on the USDA Rural Development website.