Telehealth Infrastructure Grant Program

The Telehealth Infrastructure Grant Program Wave 5 is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services through its Office of Rural Health. This state-funded initiative was established through appropriations from the North Carolina General Assembly using funds derived from the ARPA Temporary Savings Fund. The program is designed to expand access to telehealth services across rural areas of North Carolina by supporting the development and enhancement of technological infrastructure among eligible health care providers. The Office of Rural Health is responsible for overseeing the program, including application review, award distribution, and ongoing contract management. The primary purpose of this grant program is to improve access to health care services in rural communities by enabling providers to implement or expand telehealth capabilities. Funding supports a wide range of infrastructure needs, including broadband connectivity, telehealth equipment, secure communication systems, electronic medical records integration, and training for both staff and patients. The program emphasizes real-time, two-way audio and video communication systems that allow providers and patients to interact remotely. Additional eligible uses include providing internet service and equipment to patients who meet certain income or public assistance criteria, ensuring that underserved populations can access telehealth services effectively. For Wave 5, applications opened on April 1, 2026 and close on April 21, 2026. The program operates as a competitive grant, with proposals evaluated based on established criteria related to project feasibility, impact, equity, and sustainability. Following the application period, proposals are reviewed in May, and award notifications are expected to be issued by June 1, 2026. Successful applicants will then begin project implementation, with the Office of Rural Health monitoring progress throughout the grant lifecycle. Applicants must complete a two-step electronic submission process and ensure that all required documentation is submitted prior to the deadline, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Eligibility is restricted to rural health care providers located within North Carolina. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to deliver safe, secure, and continuous patient care while implementing telehealth solutions. Priority is given to independent primary care practices and independent obstetrics and gynecology practices. Applicants are required to show evidence of prior health care service delivery, the capacity to implement telehealth infrastructure projects, and a clear plan for sustainability. Projects must also address equitable health care delivery and identify target populations, including underserved or marginalized communities. The maximum award amount per recipient is $250,000, and only one application per organization is permitted. The grant period is twelve months, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional one-year terms, extending the potential project duration through 2027. Funds may be used to reimburse eligible pre-award costs incurred between July 1, 2023 and March 1, 2025, provided they meet program requirements. All awarded funds must be expended within the contract period or any approved extension timeframe. Recipients of the grant must comply with several reporting and administrative requirements. These include submitting regular expense and performance reports, maintaining compliance with state data systems such as NC HealthConnex, and adhering to record retention policies. Awardees must also demonstrate ongoing collaboration with partner organizations when applicable and provide documentation such as memoranda of understanding where required. Additionally, recipients must implement measurable performance tracking aligned with program objectives, including reporting on patient utilization and telehealth service expansion. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package that includes organizational information, a detailed project narrative, evaluation metrics, and a budget with justification. Additional documentation may be required post-award, including certifications, conflict of interest disclosures, and tax compliance verification. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the designated program contact via email. The program represents a significant investment in rural health infrastructure, aiming to improve access, quality, and equity in health care delivery across North Carolina.

Ensure strong alignment with rural health access needs, clearly demonstrate infrastructure readiness, and provide detailed sustainability and equity impact plans.