The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program aims to improve access to health care services in rural communities by supporting organizations that provide new or enhanced services tailored to local needs. Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the program promotes collaboration through consortiums of at least three separate health care providers, with a focus on strengthening local resources, addressing health disparities, and improving population health outcomes. Successful projects must involve active engagement from rural community members and deliver measurable results.

The program offers two funding tracks: the Regular Track, which supports general outreach projects addressing identified health care needs in rural communities, and the Special Track, which targets specific health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, unintentional injuries, and maternal health. The Regular Track awards up to $250,000 annually, while the Special Track offers up to $300,000 annually. Projects in both tracks must span a four-year period of performance, from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2029. The Special Track additionally requires a community assessment in the first year and a cost-savings estimation plan.

Eligible applicants include public and private entities, such as hospitals, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, state and county health departments, tribal organizations, and community-based nonprofits. Applicants must demonstrate experience in serving rural underserved populations and propose projects that exclusively target HRSA-designated rural areas. Projects must also meet consortium requirements, ensuring that at least 66% of consortium members are located in rural areas.

Applications must include a project abstract, project narrative, detailed work plan, staffing plan, and budget narrative. Required attachments include agreements among consortium members, a map of the rural service area, and documentation for eligibility requirements. Special Track applicants must submit a participation statement outlining their focus area(s) and demonstrate how their project will achieve sustainability beyond the funding period, potentially through reimbursement strategies and value-based payment systems.

HRSA will evaluate applications based on six criteria: identified need, proposed response, evaluation measures, anticipated impact, organizational resources and capabilities, and budget justification. Projects that qualify for funding preferences—such as those located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or medically underserved communities—will receive competitive priority. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by January 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Awards are expected to be announced by April 1, 2025.

Post-award requirements include regular progress reporting, performance measure tracking, and submission of sustainability plans. Special Track recipients must provide additional reports, such as cost-savings estimations and assessments of long-term health outcomes. HRSA will provide technical assistance to support awardees throughout the program’s implementation.