The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced five new funding opportunities through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) designed to strengthen healthcare, improve wellness, and expand access to services in rural communities across North Dakota.
These funding opportunities support projects that promote healthier schools and workplaces, modernize healthcare technology, improve access to pharmacy services, and encourage innovative solutions through artificial intelligence. Together, these investments will help rural organizations improve health outcomes, strengthen their workforce, and enhance the quality of life for the communities they serve.
School-Based Wellness Equipment Grant
This funding opportunity helps rural and tribal schools create healthier learning environments by purchasing equipment that supports students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Eligible projects include fitness and playground equipment, sensory rooms and tools, mindfulness resources, classroom movement equipment, adaptive and physical therapy equipment, and other wellness-focused resources that encourage healthy lifestyles and student success.
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT
Hospital-Based Wellness Equipment Grant
The Hospital-Based Wellness Equipment Grant helps eligible hospitals invest in equipment and wellness spaces that support healthcare professionals and reduce workplace burnout.
Funding may be used for fitness equipment, employee wellness and relaxation spaces, massage and recovery equipment, ergonomic office furniture, mindfulness resources, wellness technology, and other equipment that promotes employee health and retention.
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Enhancement Grant
The EMR Enhancement Grant provides funding to help rural healthcare organizations strengthen and modernize their existing electronic medical record systems.
Eligible projects include software and hardware upgrades, cybersecurity improvements, care coordination technology, artificial intelligence tools that improve documentation and clinical decision-making, remote monitoring technology, and other system enhancements that improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Grant
The Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Grant supports healthcare organizations interested in implementing responsible AI solutions that improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Funding can be used for AI-powered clinical decision support tools, workflow automation, patient engagement technologies, provider training, and other innovative applications that strengthen rural healthcare delivery.
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT
Pharmacy Kiosk Grant
The Pharmacy Kiosk Grant helps expand access to prescription medications by supporting the purchase and implementation of pharmacy kiosks in rural and underserved communities.
Funding may be used for kiosk equipment, installation, technology infrastructure, connectivity, implementation costs, and other eligible expenses that improve access to pharmacy services where traditional pharmacy access may be limited.
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT
Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review the funding requirements and begin preparing applications early. As always, North Dakota’s Regional Councils are available to provide free technical assistance, including project planning, eligibility review, and grant writing assistance to eligible applicants.
Need assistance? Contact your local Regional Council to discuss your project, review eligibility, and receive free technical assistance before the application deadline.