Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Impact

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)–Impact, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is part of a broad initiative aimed at addressing the public health crisis of substance use disorder (SUD), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), in rural areas across the United States. HRSA, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, works to improve healthcare access for underserved and vulnerable populations. Through the RCORP initiative, HRSA is targeting systemic gaps in rural healthcare infrastructure, with the goal of driving measurable improvements in the treatment and recovery pathways for individuals with SUD. This forecasted opportunity, HRSA-26-037, is specifically designed to fund integrated, coordinated services in rural communities that address the entire continuum of SUD care. It supports the development and expansion of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. These efforts include fostering collaborations among healthcare and social service providers to improve care coordination, strengthening local service delivery networks, and building a workforce capable of effectively responding to SUD-related needs. By supporting multi-sector partnerships, the program aims to create sustainable systems of care that contribute to long-term recovery and reduced morbidity and mortality from substance misuse. Although the program places particular emphasis on the opioid crisis, it also acknowledges the overlap between opioid misuse and other substance use disorders, such as alcohol abuse. As such, RCORP–Impact funds projects that take a comprehensive, inclusive approach to addressing the broader spectrum of SUDs. Applicants are encouraged to develop models that integrate behavioral health, mental health, and social support services, ensuring holistic care for affected populations. The program is open to a wide range of eligible applicants, including state, local, and tribal governments; public and private higher education institutions; public housing authorities; nonprofit and for-profit organizations; and small businesses. All entities must be domestic and based in the U.S. or its territories. A total of approximately $60 million is expected to be made available through this program, with around 80 awards anticipated. Each award may be up to $750,000, although no minimum amount is specified. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. The anticipated application period opens on March 26, 2026, with completed applications due by May 18, 2026, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be issued by August 1, 2026, with project start dates beginning September 1, 2026. While there are no pre-application requirements such as a Letter of Intent or Concept Paper, applicants should prepare to meet all standard federal submission protocols via Grants.gov. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary, and evaluation will likely focus on the feasibility, sustainability, and measurable outcomes of proposed interventions. For more information about the program, including guidance and updates, interested applicants may refer to the HRSA website. Direct inquiries can be addressed to Lynlee Tanner Stapleton at 301-443-5764 or by email at [email protected].