Rural Strong Grants: Strengthening Access to Care in Rural Communities

The State of South Dakota’s Department of Health is offering “Rural Strong” grants to improve health‑care access in rural communities. Applicants must be Medicaid‑enrolled health‑care business entities (hospitals, FQHCs, RHCs, tribal clinics, etc.) and will receive sub‑recipient funding to support strategic planning, partnership development, service‑line expansion, hub‑and‑spoke models, or care‑coordination readiness. Funding is limited to post‑award expenses and cannot be used for new construction or pre‑award costs. Typical first‑year awards range from $200 K to $3 M, with a total pool of $31.75 M for Budget Period 1 (through 30 Sep 2027). Proposals are submitted via a secure SFTP folder by 22 May 2026. • Eligible entities: Medicaid‑enrolled hospitals, FQHCs, RHCs, tribal clinics, physician‑group clinics, behavioral‑health and dental clinics. • Allowable uses include planning, strategic partnerships, equipment purchases, telehealth hub‑and‑spoke networks, care‑coordination staffing, and minor renovations (CMS‑approved). • Applicants may submit a single comprehensive proposal or multiple separate proposals; hub‑and‑spoke collaborations can be covered in one submission. • Mandatory deliverables: a 4‑page budget narrative (including any alternative budget), certifications, and a non‑compete confirmation letter for funded clinicians.