Grants for Transportation in Highly Rural Areas - VA-HRTG-2026

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) Program to address the significant transportation barriers that veterans living in sparsely populated regions face in accessing healthcare. Through this initiative, the VA reaffirms its commitment to improving the reach, quality, and efficiency of healthcare services for veterans, particularly those residing in counties with fewer than seven people per square mile. The 2026 funding opportunity under this program, identified as VA-HRTG-2026, is specifically designed for renewal applications from existing 2025 grantees who have successfully implemented transportation solutions in these underserved regions. The VA expects to award approximately $7 million in grants, reinforcing the program’s alignment with Executive Order 14296, which emphasizes improving the welfare of veterans through innovative and accessible care delivery mechanisms. The funding opportunity does not accept new applicants; only organizations currently receiving HRTG funding in FY2025 are eligible. These include Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and State Veterans Agencies that can demonstrate continued operational capacity and alignment with the original program objectives. Each eligible grantee may submit one renewal application per highly rural area served, with a cap of $50,000 per area. The grants aim to support transportation services that are entirely free of charge to the veterans served. Applicants must ensure that their renewal proposals reflect a program structure that is substantially consistent with their previously approved plan, reinforcing continuity in service delivery. Grant funds must be used in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget regulations (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E) and may cover costs such as the acquisition of ADA-compliant vans or operating expenses directly related to transportation services. Vehicles purchased must be insured and maintained appropriately, and operated by licensed drivers in accordance with federal safety regulations. Grantees are also expected to maintain detailed reporting on grant fund expenditures, services delivered, veterans served, and satisfaction metrics. These performance data must be submitted monthly, quarterly, annually, and at the end of the fiscal year. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 5, 2026. A complete renewal application includes several key components: an interim final performance report covering the prior three quarters, a detailed program narrative outlining transportation innovations and services, a budget detail worksheet, and other standard federal forms such as the SF424. Applicants must also be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), have an EIN and UEI, and submit a VA Vendor File Request Form (VA Form 10091) via the Customer Engagement Portal. All registrations and submissions must be current and valid as of the application deadline. The VA uses a rigorous peer review process to evaluate applications. Proposals are scored across three major criteria: past performance (55 points), cost effectiveness (35 points), and compliance with prior grant terms (15 points), with a minimum passing score of 52.5 points required for consideration. The highest-ranked proposals will be selected for funding, subject to availability. Post-award, the VA reserves the right to impose specific conditions or recover unspent or misused funds. Grantees must also comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) and related reporting mandates for subawards. All questions about the grant should be directed to the National Program Coordinator for Highly Rural Transportation Grants via email at [email protected]. Additional resources and information about the program are available at the VA’s transportation grants webpage. Renewal grants are for a one-year performance period with no guarantee of future awards. Based on the recurring nature of this program and the annual funding cycles, it is likely that similar opportunities will be released annually. Applicants are encouraged to stay engaged with the program to ensure ongoing eligibility and alignment with VA goals.

Attend at least 3 of 4 quarterly VTP meetings; submit timely performance reports including trip data and veteran satisfaction results.