U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden invites grant applications to improve access to remote education and health care in rural and Tribal communities.

USDA is making approximately $40 million in funding available under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program.

This program funds distance learning and telemedicine equipment, like audio and video equipment. These funds will help digitally connect people to education, training and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in remote parts of the country.

For example, DLT funding expands opportunities for:

• -Students to participate in classes that may be in locations too far to access in person.
• -Teachers to provide their expertise, trainings and educational services to students across the country.
• -Patients to seek specialized care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their homes or communities.

Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for-profit businesses.

Past grant recipients in Maine include RSU 10 (Rumford), the Alfond Youth and Community Center in Waterville (via the University of New Hampshire Center for Digital Health Innovation), and VNA Home Health and Hospice (dba Northern Light Homecare and Hospice, South Portland).  

Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than March 6, 2025. Additional program information is available online and via page 589 of the Jan. 6, 2025, Federal Register. Interested Maine applicants may contact Robert Fry, Telecom General Field Representative (robert.fry@usda.gov or 202-768- 0589) with questions.