Rural Health Centers Capital Grant

RFA Title: Rural Health Centers Capital Grant

Open: August 15, 2022

Close: December 29, 2022

Funding Agency Name: North Carolina Office of Rural Health (ORH)

Funding Agency Address: 311 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603

Funding Agency Contacts/Inquiry Information:

Kimberly McNeil, (919) 527-6476, Kimberly.R.Mcneil@dhhs.nc.gov and

Dorothea Brock, (919) 527-6477, Dorothea.Brock@dhhs.nc.gov

Description

The purpose of grants awarded under this program is to support State Designated Rural Health Centers (SDRHC). ORH assists underserved communities and populations with developing innovative strategies for improving access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of health care. The ability of a healthcare facility to meet the needs of a rural patient population is directly related to the efficiency, size, and quality of the facility and its equipment. Capital Grant funding allows for investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction, renovation, and expansion of rural healthcare facilities. Capital investments can also be made through the purchase and installation of major equipment and technology. Capital Grant funding does not support staff salaries and requests should not duplicate Community Health, Farmworker Health, or SDRHC grant funded operating projects. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for these funds, your organization must be identified as a State Designated Rural Health Center by ORH. The total grant award is dependent upon documented and demonstrated need at the rural health center and is contingent upon funding availability. 

Application and Submission Instructions

Please read the following grant instructions and requirements carefully. Applications that do not adhere to all instructions and requirements will not be considered.

Grant applications must be received via electronic survey by 5:00 p.m. December 29, 2022. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting August 15, 2022, until available funds are fully obligated, or up to December 29, 2022, whichever comes first. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least two months prior to their project to allow for application review and grant processing. Applicants will be notified of awards within 20 business days of submitting their application. 

Applications must be submitted through the online survey tool. Click the link below and provide your contact information to receive a personalized link to the application: https://ncruralhealth.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ngAqyHY7Y7Sd2B

Requirements

  • Applicants are required to submit within the application an estimate of quotes from at least two vendors, including Information Technology requests. If vendor or sub-contractor has specific payment terms, please include these (For example: If vendor or sub-contractor requests upfront payment of 10%, 20%, 50%, etc.). 
    • NOTE: Submission of all Information Technology equipment will be routed to DHHS IT Central Office; please allow a minimum of 45 calendar days for approval. 
  • Funding requests should not cover staff salaries or duplicate Community Health, Farmworker Health, or Rural Health Center operating grant funding. 
  • Applicants are required to report any changes in the project or proposed activities as appropriate or monthly to ORH Operation Specialist: kimberly.r.mcneil@dhhs.nc.gov
  • Applicants are required to participate in quarterly audit activities, as appropriate. 
  • Proposed projects must be billed and/or completed within the funding cycle (August 15, 2022 – June 30, 2023. 
  • Submit Monthly Expenditure Report (MER) and supporting documentation by 10th of following month.

Timeline 

1. Submission

  • Grant applications must be received via electronic survey by December 29, 2022. 

2. Application Review 

  • Within 1-5 business days, upon receipt of application, applicants will receive an email confirmation from ORH that your application is being reviewed. 
  • Within 12 business days, ORH will review the budget request and contact the applicant to determine if there is a need to negotiate the budget request.

3. Proposal Approval 

  • Within 20 business days, applicants will receive notification of funding decision for capital funds. 

4. Finalize Process 

  • Applicants will receive SFY 2023 contracts electronically 
  • The electronic contract requires the digital signature of a person who is officially designated to sign legal documents on behalf of the rural health center, as well as someone who can attest to the signature

5. Applicants are required to submit closeout supporting documentation and expend all funds on or before June 30, 2023.

Funding Cycle

The funding cycle is from August 15, 2022, through June 30, 2023. All grantees must fully expend grant funds prior to June 30, 2023. Purchases made after June 30, 2023, will not be reimbursed. All invoices for the completed and projected work must be submitted to ORH for reimbursement no later than June 10, 2023.