Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants (10.855)
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants (Assistance Listing 10.855) is run by the Rural Utilities Service, part of the Department of Agriculture. It awarded $2.2 billion in 806 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $2.7 million per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.
The typical award was $788,275. Half of the 806 awards fell between $398,188 and $1.3 million, and they ranged from $18,441 to $35.0 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$2.2 billion
- Grant awards806
- Typical award$788,275
- Awarded in FY 2025$595 million
- Size rank151 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceProject grants, direct loans
Key findings
- Annual funding rose from $288 million in fiscal 2021 to $595 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 151st largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- The 20 largest recipients received 32% of the money.
- Awards went to recipients in 55 states and territories.
What the program funds
To encourage and improve the use of telemedicine, telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies to provide educational and medical benefits through distance learning and telemedicine projects to people living in rural areas and to improve rural opportunities.
Open opportunities
No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.
Past notices
Of 6 notices posted under this program since 2021, most went up in April (2), January (1) and February (1).
- RUS-26-01-DLT: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
- RUS-25-01-DLT: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
- RUS-24-01-DLT: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
- RUS-23-01-DLT: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
- RUS-22-01-DLT: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program
- RUS-21-01-DLT: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
To be eligible to receive a grant, loan and grant combination, or loan, the applicant must be legally organized as an incorporated organization or partnership, an Indian tribe or tribal organization, a state or local unit of government, a consortium, or other legal entity. The applicant must have legal capacity to contract with RUS. The applicant also must propose to utilize the financing to: (i) operate a rural community facility; or (ii) deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas at rates calculated to ensure that the benefit of the financial assistance is passed through to such entities or to residents of rural areas. The applicant must not be delinquent on any Federal debt. RUS electric and telecommunications borrowers are not eligible for grants. Generally, applicants are organizations such as schools, libraries, hospitals, medical centers, or other eligible organizations that will be users of a telecommunications, computer network, or related advanced technology system to provide educational and/or medical benefits to rural residents.
What the money can and cannot pay for
Telecommunications, computer networks and related advanced technologies that connect medical professionals or teachers at originating sites, rural or non-rural, to medical professionals, patients, teachers and students at rural end-user sites. Eligible costs depend on the type of financial assistance being requested; i.e., grant or loan. See 7 CFR Part 1734 for details;
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. 15% of the grant amount requested. Generally, matching funds must be in the form of cash. See 7 CFR 1734.22 for additional information.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Award range and average, in the agency's words
$50,000 to $1,000,000 with an average of $622,000 for FY24.
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal Year2025: This Rural Development investment will be used to equip one hub site and eight hub/end-user sites throughout Colbert, Fayette, Lawrence, Madison, Marion and Jackson counties in north Alabama with telehealth carts and specialty telemedicine equipment. Medical professionals at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama will deliver mental health and SUD services, as well as audiology, psychology and communicative disorders services to eight locations benefiting 15,638 individuals.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants (10.855) awarded $2.2 billion across 806 grant awards, an average of $2.7 million per award.
Who usually wins
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 805 | $2.2 billion | 100% |
| State and local governments | 1 | $43,253 | 0% |
By state
48 states have a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 30 | $278 million |
| Oklahoma | 49 | $175 million |
| Missouri | 35 | $146 million |
| Texas | 30 | $132 million |
| Montana | 10 | $89.0 million |
| Michigan | 17 | $86.8 million |
| North Dakota | 10 | $81.5 million |
| Mississippi | 32 | $76.1 million |
| Washington | 13 | $75.4 million |
| North Carolina | 23 | $69.6 million |
| Kentucky | 42 | $66.2 million |
| New Mexico | 20 | $59.7 million |
| Oregon | 17 | $59.2 million |
| South Dakota | 9 | $58.6 million |
| Alabama | 31 | $50.6 million |
| California | 17 | $50.5 million |
| Georgia | 27 | $46.5 million |
| Utah | 18 | $45.1 million |
| New York | 25 | $42.9 million |
| Palau | 1 | $35.0 million |
| West Virginia | 28 | $33.5 million |
| Idaho | 16 | $33.0 million |
| Virginia | 23 | $32.7 million |
| Minnesota | 16 | $30.9 million |
| Colorado | 12 | $30.8 million |
| Tennessee | 29 | $30.4 million |
| Illinois | 34 | $29.1 million |
| Florida | 7 | $27.3 million |
| Federated States of Micronesia | 1 | $25.0 million |
| Arizona | 10 | $24.7 million |
| South Carolina | 17 | $22.4 million |
| Arkansas | 13 | $20.2 million |
| Iowa | 13 | $19.6 million |
| Ohio | 21 | $14.0 million |
| Kansas | 13 | $11.7 million |
| Pennsylvania | 19 | $10.9 million |
| Marshall Islands | 2 | $10.7 million |
| Wyoming | 3 | $10.5 million |
| Louisiana | 15 | $9.2 million |
| Maine | 14 | $8.7 million |
| Nebraska | 7 | $7.5 million |
| Wisconsin | 5 | $6.1 million |
| New Jersey | 4 | $4.3 million |
| Maryland | 3 | $3.6 million |
| Nevada | 4 | $3.2 million |
| Vermont | 5 | $2.8 million |
| New Hampshire | 3 | $2.6 million |
| Indiana | 3 | $2.0 million |
| American Samoa | 1 | $677,675 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | 3 | $646,077 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | 1 | $513,500 |
| Guam | 2 | $431,844 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $386,191 |
| Delaware | 1 | $183,530 |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | $77,223 |