Opportunity Information: Apply for RUS 26 01 DLT
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service. Authorized under 7 U.S.C. 950aaa and governed by the regulations at 7 CFR part 1734, the program is designed to help rural communities access education, training, and health care services that are limited or not otherwise available locally. The central idea is to reduce the disadvantages caused by distance and provider shortages by funding technology that allows schools, colleges, clinics, and community institutions to connect with instructors, specialists, and resources beyond their immediate area.
DLT grant funding focuses on telecommunications-enabled solutions that support distance learning and telemedicine. In practical terms, this includes information technology and audio/video equipment and other advanced technologies needed to deliver instruction, training, or medical services remotely. The intended users span students and teachers seeking expanded educational offerings, medical professionals needing tools to consult or provide care at a distance, and rural residents who benefit from improved access to specialized services. The program emphasis is on enabling and improving service delivery, meaning applicants are generally expected to propose projects that clearly expand capability, improve quality, or increase reach for rural end users rather than simply replacing routine items without a broader service impact.
A wide range of organizations can apply, reflecting the community-wide nature of rural education and health systems. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. This broad eligibility allows projects to be led by public entities like school districts and hospitals, tribal governments, nonprofit networks, higher education partners, or private-sector providers where that structure makes sense for regional service delivery.
For FY 2026, the opportunity number is RUS 26 01 DLT and the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number is 10.855. The posted award ceiling is $750,000, and the agency anticipates making around 40 awards. The application closing date is June 30, 2026. Because the program is competitive and rules-driven, applicants are expected to build their submissions around the FY 2026 DLT Grant Program Application Guide and any related program resources published by USDA. The guide will be available through the official program page at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants and should be treated as the primary set of instructions for what can be funded, what documentation is required, how proposals are scored, and what compliance requirements apply.
One important practical detail is that any costs incurred to prepare the application are the applicant’s responsibility. In other words, planning, proposal writing, engineering design, or other pre-award expenses are undertaken at the applicant’s own risk and are not guaranteed to be reimbursed. Applicants should plan budgets and staffing accordingly, and make sure their proposed equipment and services align closely with DLT rules and the rural service mission described in the authorizing statute and regulations.Apply for RUS 26 01 DLT
- The Rural Utilities Service in the business and commerce, community development, education, employment, labor and training, health, iij, regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.855.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-05-01.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-06-30. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 40 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.
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Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants (FY 2026) - FAQs
What is the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants program?
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service. It is intended to help rural communities access education, training, and health care services that are limited or not otherwise available locally by funding technology that enables distance learning and telemedicine.
What problem is the program designed to address?
The program is designed to reduce disadvantages caused by distance and by shortages of providers and specialized resources in rural areas. It does this by supporting technology that connects rural schools, colleges, clinics, and community institutions with instructors, specialists, and other resources outside their immediate area.
What types of projects does DLT grant funding focus on?
DLT funding focuses on telecommunications-enabled solutions that support distance learning and telemedicine, including technology used to deliver instruction, training, or medical services remotely.
What kinds of equipment or technology may be supported under this program?
The opportunity description highlights information technology and audio/video equipment and other advanced technologies needed to deliver instruction, training, or medical services at a distance.
Who is intended to benefit from DLT-funded projects?
Intended users include students and teachers seeking expanded educational offerings, medical professionals who need tools to consult or provide care remotely, and rural residents who benefit from improved access to specialized education and health care services.
Does the program prioritize certain types of outcomes?
Yes. The emphasis is on enabling and improving service delivery. Applicants are generally expected to propose projects that expand capability, improve quality, or increase reach for rural end users, rather than projects that simply replace routine items without a broader service impact.
Who can apply for a DLT grant?
Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
Can tribal governments apply?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.
Can school districts and colleges apply?
Yes. Independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.
Can nonprofit organizations apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status may apply, as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories (as stated in the opportunity description).
Can for-profit entities and small businesses apply?
Yes. Both small businesses and for-profit organizations other than small businesses are listed as eligible applicants.
What is the opportunity number for FY 2026?
The FY 2026 opportunity number is RUS 26 01 DLT.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 10.855.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The posted award ceiling is $750,000.
How many awards does USDA expect to make for FY 2026?
The agency anticipates making around 40 awards.
When is the application deadline?
The application closing date is June 30, 2026.
Where should applicants find the official application instructions?
Applicants are expected to use the FY 2026 DLT Grant Program Application Guide and any related program resources published by USDA. The guide is available through the official program page at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants.
Why is the Application Guide important?
The Application Guide should be treated as the primary instructions for what can be funded, what documentation is required, how proposals are scored, and what compliance requirements apply.
Is the DLT grant program competitive?
Yes. The opportunity description notes that the program is competitive and rules-driven, and that applicants should build submissions around the official FY 2026 Application Guide and related USDA resources.
Are application preparation costs reimbursed?
No. Any costs incurred to prepare the application are the applicant's responsibility. Planning, proposal writing, engineering design, and other pre-award expenses are undertaken at the applicant's own risk and are not guaranteed to be reimbursed.
What should applicants keep in mind when budgeting and staffing for the application?
Applicants should plan budgets and staffing with the understanding that pre-award and application development costs are not guaranteed to be reimbursed.
What should applicants consider when selecting proposed equipment and services?
Applicants should make sure proposed equipment and services align closely with DLT rules and the rural service mission described in the authorizing statute (7 U.S.C. 950aaa) and regulations (7 CFR part 1734), as well as the expectations described in the FY 2026 Application Guide.
What law and regulations authorize and govern the DLT program?
The program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 950aaa and governed by the regulations at 7 CFR part 1734.
Which USDA agency runs the DLT program?
The program is run by the USDA Rural Utilities Service.
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