USDA Accepts Telehealth, Distance Learning Grant Applications
Approximately $27 million in federal grants were made available.
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2026 – Approximately $27 million in federal grants were made available Tuesday to support telehealth and remote learning services in rural communities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, which funds equipment including video conferencing systems and audio technology used for remote education and healthcare services.
The funding can help students access classes unavailable locally and allow patients to receive specialized medical care without traveling long distances, USDA said.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses. Applications are due June 30.
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program operates through USDA Rural Development’s telecommunications portfolio, which supports broadband and connectivity projects in underserved rural areas.
The funding notice comes as policymakers continue debating federal rural broadband spending priorities. USDA previously requested $230 million in fiscal year 2027 funding for rural broadband and telecommunications programs, including $30 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants.
House appropriators later proposed $638 million for USDA connectivity loan and grant programs, while restoring funding for USDA’s ReConnect broadband deployment initiative after the administration proposed eliminating it from the budget request.
