Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

Notice of Grant Opportunities for:

• Rural Hospitals
• Rural Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Rural Tribal Nations
• Rural Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers/Community Mental Health Centers (CCBHCs/CMHCs)

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

Grant recipients will select activities from broad RHTP initiatives designed to advance the overarching goals of improving health outcomes and access to care for rural Minnesotans, sustainably expanding the rural health care workforce, strengthening partnerships between providers to expand service delivery in rural communities, and stabilizing rural provider financial health through strategic investments.

MDH was awarded approximately $193 million by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the first budget period to transform the rural health system in Minnesota. Most of the funding will be distributed in grants to rural and Critical Access hospitals, rural Tribal Nations, FQHCs, and rural CCBHCs and CMHCs.

Important Updates

• Application deadline extended to May 26 at 4:30 p.m.
• Expenses may be eligible even if not named in the Notice of Grant Opportunity, if they align with RHTP goals and activity priorities, result in transformative change for organizations and communities, are sustainable, and meet all other RHTP funding requirements
• After you submit your application, MDH will continue working with you to finalize your plans

Grant application forms and guidelines:

• Rural Hospital Notice of Grant Opportunity (PDF)
• Rural FQHC Notice of Grant Opportunity (PDF)
• Rural CCBHC/CMHC Notice of Grant Opportunity (PDF)
• Rural Tribal Nation Notice of Grant Opportunity (PDF)
• MDH Due Diligence Form (PDF)
• Sample Grant Agreement (PDF)
• Year 1 Direct Allocation Questions and Answers (PDF).

Informational Webinars

Past webinars:

• Rural Hospital Informational Webinar Presentation (PDF)
• Rural FQHC Informational Webinar Presentation (PDF)
• Rural CCBHC/CMHC Informational Webinar Presentation (PDF)
• Tribal Nations Informational Webinar Presentation (PDF).

Technical Assistance (TA) Requests

ORHPC staff will be available to answer questions and provide guidance as eligible applicants for these formula-based, non-competitive grants prepare their applications. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out early in the application period with questions. To request TA, please complete this form: Rural Health Transformation Application TA Request (MS Form). TA meetings will be scheduled within two weeks of request.

Request for Proposals: RHTP Technical Assistance for Health Care Providers on Health Information Technology

MDH’s Office of Rural Health and Primary Care has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) for one or more vendors to provide professional technical advisory services related to a variety of health information technology purchases funded through its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The purpose of this contract is to provide a ready source of technical assistance (TA) to RHTP subgrantees and potential subgrantees seeking guidance and support related to RHTP-funded HIT tools and how implementation of these tools can help subgrantees achieve Minnesota’s five overarching RHTP goals as described in the MN Rural Health Transformation Project Narrative (PDF)

Contract application forms and guidelines:

• RHTP Technical Assistance for Health Care Providers on Health Information Technology RFP (PDF)
• Deadline: Responses are due no later than 4:30 pm, May 22
• How to submit:
  • Companies interested in responding to the RFP must do so through the State of Minnesota’s SWIFT Supplier Porta as directed in the RFP.
    • The SWIFT Event number is 2000018300

For more information, please contact:

rural.transformation.mdh@state.mn.us

Request for Proposal: RHTP Project ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP seeks proposals from applicants to provide Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) on topics that include but are not limited to maternal health (inclusive of maternal mental health) and mental/behavioral health for primary care audiences. Project ECHOs are virtual, case-based learning and mentorship programs provided by organization(s) to build the skills and confidence of rural physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician associates who often serve as the main access point for maternal health and behavioral health care in rural communities.

Applicants are expected to provide 12–24 one-hour long sessions (minimum of one time per month) in at least one of the topic areas. Applicants are welcome to apply to provide both mental health and maternal health series. Project ECHOs should focus on:

• Providing education and networking for participating rural clinicians and their care teams.
• Providing an open participation model.
• Sharing responsive knowledge that is adaptable to rural community and clinician needs in underserved and hard-to-reach patient populations.
• Maintaining a focus on case-based learning that is specific to rural populations. Participants will learn from expert-led didactic presentations and discuss their own patient cases to gain new skills and implement evidence-based recommendations.

The following entities are eligible to apply:

• Located in Minnesota. 
• For-profit or not-for-profit entities that demonstrate extensive experience providing in-depth, high-quality education and training and/or developing resources that support rural health care.
•  Be trained in iECHO, for the Project ECHO model.

Applicants will be selected based on their ability to complete proposed projects and evidence of experience in the proposed subject matter. 

Grant application forms and guidelines:

• Applications Due: June 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RFP Questions Due: May 22, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RHTP ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health (PDF)
• MDH Due Diligence Form (PDF)
• Sample Grant Agreement (PDF)

Informational Webinar

• RHTP ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health RFP Webinar (PDF)

For more information, please contact:

grants.ruraltransformation.mdh@state.mn.us 

Request for Proposal: RHTP Statewide Tele-buprenorphine Access Line

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP supports the planning, development and implementation of infrastructure needed to operate a tele-buprenorphine (telebupe) access line. The Telebupe Access Line will allow Minnesota to build a centralized and sustainable statewide access system to address persistent access gaps in rural communities.
The goal of this project is to implement a Telebupe Access Line that will operate sustainably by the end of the five-year grant period through billable clinical encounters.

The Telebupe Access Line will provide rapid access to clinical assessment and prescriptions for MOUD to individuals seeking treatment, with a primary focus on individuals in rural communities where same-day access to care is limited or unavailable. The Telebupe Access Line should be operational for a minimum of 60 hours per week, with the selected vendor prepared to begin service delivery during budget period 2.

The following entities are eligible to apply:

• Hospitals or health systems licensed to operate in Minnesota
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)
• Tribal health organizations and Urban Indian health programs
• Nonprofit community health providers
• Behavioral health organizations licensed in Minnesota
• Telehealth providers that are currently enrolled as a MHCP provider or demonstrate a plan and timeline to achieve MHCP provider enrollment
• Community-based organizations partnering with licensed Minnesota prescribers
• Partnerships or consortia of the above entities (one entity must serve as the fiscal lead)

Applicants will be selected based on their ability to complete proposed projects and evidence of experience in the proposed subject matter. 

Grant application forms and guidelines:

• Applications Due: June 29, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RFP Questions Due: June 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RHTP Statewide Tele-buprenorphine Access Line RFP (PDF)
• MDH Due Diligence Form (PDF)
• Sample Grant Agreement (PDF)

Informational Webinar

• An informational webinar will be held on June 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. 
• Join the RHTP Tele-bupe Access Line RFP Teams meeting June 4.

For more information, please contact:

grants.ruraltransformation.mdh@state.mn.us 

Request for Proposal: RHTP Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP supports the planning and development of regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives. These initiatives will serve as a mechanism for regional collaboration to build effective community-based mental health services for children and adolescents across Minnesota. Based on the work of the Minnesota Adult Mental Health Initiatives, this activity brings counties and consortia of counties together to regionally coordinate mental health crisis services and support child and adolescent mental health. While Minnesota has a model of Adult Mental Health Initiatives, the needs of children and adolescents are different from those of adults, and this model should reflect these unique needs. Notably, this activity must be shaped for the needs of children and adolescents.

The following entities are eligible to apply:

• Applicants must be:
  • Located in Minnesota
  • Located outside of the seven-county metropolitan area and serve rural communities
    • The seven-county metropolitan area includes Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, Washington, Carver, and Scott counties
• Applicants may include:
  • Established Child and Adolescent Mental Health Collaboratives (including Integrated Children’s Mental Health and Family Services Collaboratives)
  • Counties or consortia of counties/county health boards
    • Current consortia/regions serving Minnesota’s Adult Mental Health Initiatives are strongly encouraged to apply in the same configuration
  • Tribal Nations

Applicants are required to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to address child and adolescent mental health needs in their regions. Collaborating organizations should focus on child and adolescent services. Examples of collaborating partners include local public health, regional suicide prevention coordinators, schools and school-based health centers (birth-12th grade), emergency departments, children’s justice professionals, primary care providers or others serving the mental health needs of children and adolescents.

Grant application forms and guidelines:

• Applications Due: June 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RFP Questions Due: June 1, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RHTP Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives RFP (PDF)
• MDH Due Diligence Form (PDF)
• Sample Grant Agreement (PDF)

Informational Webinar

• An informational webinar will be held on May 21, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. Central Time. 
• Join the RHTP Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives RFP Teams meeting May 21..

For more information, please contact:

grants.ruraltransformation.mdh@state.mn.us 

Request for Proposal: RHTP Healthcare Workforce Retention Program

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP seeks proposals to understand systemic factors leading to provider/clinician burnout; develop, pilot and scale responsive solutions to decrease burnout; and link the solutions to improved working conditions to improvements in provider retention and patient experience and/or outcomes.

Successful proposals will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the distinct conditions in which rural providers work
• Provide a detailed plan to assess and measure key determinants of healthcare worker burnout/dissatisfaction with clear description of the tools that will be used, such as validated surveys and/or qualitative assessments;
• Include a plan for conducting analysis of the data gathered throughout the pilot; and how the data will be shared with participating organizations
• Develop and pilot evidence-based or promising practices to decrease burnout and improve work conditions. These may include optimizing workflows, aligning systems and processes to fit clinician needs, and/or strengthening care delivery processes to support long-term retention in rural areas.
• Measure and evaluate the impact of the interventions on improvements in working conditions, and where possible, link to improved patient experience and/or healthcare outcomes
• Provide a plan on how results of the healthcare worker retention pilot will be reported to the Minnesota Department of health along with how the interventions can be expanded and implemented in other rural healthcare organizations.

The following entities are eligible to apply:

• Located in Minnesota with a demonstrable knowledge of Minnesota’s rural health systems.
• Applicants should have a proven track record of developing and executing evidence-based workplace-related burnout mitigation and healthcare workforce retention efforts.

 Applicants will be selected based on their ability to complete proposed projects and evidence of experience in the proposed subject matter.

Grant application forms and guidelines:

• Applications Due: June 22, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RFP Questions Due: June 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• RHTP Healthcare Workforce Retention RFP (PDF)
• MDH Due Diligence Form (PDF)
• Sample Grant Agreement (PDF)

Informational Webinar

• An informational webinar will be held on June 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. 
• Join the RHTP Healthcare Workforce Retention RFP Teams meeting June 2.

For more information, please contact:

grants.ruraltransformation.mdh@state.mn.us 

Quick Call: Identifying Performance Measures for RHTP Information Technology Investments

MDH’s Office of Rural Health and Primary Care seeks proposals for a vendor to advise MDH on the design and development of a performance measurement framework for Minnesota’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) “Initiative Five” health information technology (HIT) investments.  The selected vendor will develop a performance measurement framework that links HIT investments to the state’s strategic objectives on sustainability of rural providers and their readiness for value-based care. The framework will define leading and lagging indicators; short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes; performance measures; and data sources related to RHTP-funded HIT investments. 

Contract application forms and guidelines:

• Quick Call: Identifying Performance Measures for RHTP Information Technology Investments RFP (PDF)
• Deadline: Responses are due no later than 4:30 pm, May 26
• How to submit:
  • Companies interested in responding to the RFP must do so through the State of Minnesota’s SWIFT Supplier Porta as directed in the RFP.
    • The SWIFT Reference number is PT5022

For more information, please contact:

rural.transformation.mdh@state.mn.us

Request for Proposals: Health Information Technology Advisory Services

Applications are open for the Health Information Technology Advisory Services Request for Proposals (RFP). MDH seeks one or more vendors to provide professional technical advisory services related to a variety of health information technology purchases funded through its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). 

The vendor will play a critical role in advising MDH on appropriate health information technology (HIT) purchases on the part of RHTP subgrantees and how to create an effective monitoring program for oversight of these purchases. Subgrantees will include rural hospitals, rural clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers/community mental health centers, rural Tribal nations, and potentially other local organizations that participate in patient care and/or support patients’ health-related social needs.

Contract application forms and guidelines:

• Health Information Technology Advisory Services RFP (PDF)
• Health Information Technology Advisory Services RFP Questions & Answers (PDF)
• Health Information Technology Advisory Services Addendum Two (PDF)
• Health Information Technology Advisory Services Cost Proposal (PDF)
• Health Information Technology Advisory Services Sample Contract (PDF)

For more information, please contact:

rural.transformation.mdh@state.mn.us