Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Impact

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)–Impact is a discretionary federal grant initiative led by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA's mission is to improve health outcomes and address health disparities through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative programs. The RCORP-Impact program aligns with this mission by directly targeting the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis—particularly opioid use disorder (OUD)—in rural America, where communities often experience limited access to healthcare resources. The overarching goal of RCORP-Impact is to drive measurable, sustainable improvements in rural health outcomes by expanding access to integrated, coordinated treatment and recovery services for SUD. Though the program's name emphasizes opioids, HRSA acknowledges that individuals affected by OUD frequently struggle with other forms of substance misuse, such as alcohol or stimulants. Therefore, the program promotes a comprehensive approach that spans the entire continuum of care and includes behavioral health and social support systems. Funded activities may include establishing new services or expanding existing ones related to SUD prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. Applicants are encouraged to propose evidence-based, community-led solutions that enhance local capacity and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on multi-sector collaboration and the creation of strong community networks that coordinate across healthcare providers, social service agencies, educational institutions, and law enforcement, among others. The program also focuses on workforce development to address the shortage of qualified professionals capable of meeting SUD-related needs in rural areas. RCORP-Impact does not require matching funds or cost-sharing, making it broadly accessible to a wide array of eligible organizations. These include nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and others), for-profit entities, government bodies (state, local, tribal), educational institutions (both public and private), independent school districts, housing authorities, and small businesses. The program is open to applicants from all U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and others. This inclusivity ensures that rural areas across the nation can compete for funding without financial or structural barriers. The program is forecasted to open for applications on February 23, 2026, with submissions due by April 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by August 1, 2026, and project periods will begin on September 1, 2026. This timeline provides prospective applicants with ample opportunity to prepare robust proposals. While there are no required pre-application steps such as letters of intent, applicants should monitor the official program page for any updates or guidance. Contact for this opportunity is Lynlee Tanner Stapleton, who can be reached at 301-443-5764 or via email at ruralopioidresponse@hrsa.gov. Additional information about RCORP-Impact, including past program performance and related resources, can be found at HRSA’s official site: https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/opioid-response. As this is a recurring program with a projected total funding pool of $60 million and up to 80 expected awards, interested organizations should consider long-term engagement and capacity-building in anticipation of future cycles.