The Tennessee Department of Health is soliciting proposals for the establishment and operation of a Rural Healthcare Center of Excellence (COE) through a competitive grant opportunity. This initiative is part of the state’s broader commitment to improving rural health access and outcomes across Tennessee. The COE is designed to serve as a technical assistance and research hub to help rural healthcare providers enhance service delivery, integrate care models, and implement innovative healthcare strategies.
The COE will receive funding of up to $2.4 million over 24 months from July 15, 2025 to December 31, 2027. In total, up to $5,030,000 is allocated over five years to support the COE’s ongoing operations. An additional $7,000,000 is available for planning and implementation grants, which the COE will administer. Planning grants will support technical assistance for strategic initiatives, while implementation grants will fund the rollout of service delivery improvements such as care coordination, telehealth, and behavioral health services.
Eligible applicants include academic medical centers, health care nonprofits and for-profits, primary care clinics, safety-net providers, and others with proven rural healthcare experience in Tennessee. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to manage complex health initiatives, coordinate with stakeholders, and sustain the COE beyond the grant period through additional funding streams.
Applications must include detailed plans for organizational capacity, project scope, and evaluation metrics. Proposals should describe specific service areas, target populations, timelines, anticipated barriers, and partnerships. A comprehensive grant budget is required, outlining cost assumptions, salaries, and how the funds will be used to achieve project outcomes.
Applicants must submit a Notice of Intent to Propose by 2:00 p.m. CT on May 21, 2025. Written questions are due by May 23, with state responses issued by June 2. Final applications are due by 2:00 p.m. CT on June 13, 2025. Selected proposals will be evaluated based on technical and organizational merit, and awards will be announced on June 23. Contracts must be signed by June 30, with the program launching on July 15, 2025.
For questions, applicants should contact Melissa Painter, Competitive Procurement Director, at Competitive.Health@tn.gov or (615) 741-0285. The full application process, requirements, and submission link are available at https://www.tn.gov/health/funding-opportunities.html.
Attend the Pre-Proposal Teleconference.
Submit Notice of Intent to Propose by the deadline.
Provide clear documentation for all budget and staffing plans.
Align proposal with Tennessee’s rural healthcare strategic goals.
