Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants.
Agency: Rural Utilities Service
- 10.855 -- Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans and Grants
Archived opportunityLast Updated: May 13, 2026
View version history on Grants.gov
Description
Authorized by 7 U.S.C. §950aaa, the DLT Program provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. These grants are intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope.
The regulation for the DLT Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1734. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the FY 2019 DLT Grant Program Application Guide (Application Guide) and program resources. This Application Guide can be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. Please be aware that there are two distinct grant opportunities available under the DLT Program for FY 2019. Do not use the Application Guide that has "Opioid" in the title because that guide applies to the other DLT grant opportunity. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s own risk.
The Agency encourages applications that will help improve life in rural America. See information on the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity found at www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation. Key strategies include:
• Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
• Developing the Rural Economy
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
• Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Government
- Special district governments
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Public and Indian housing authorities
- City or township governments
- County governments
- State governments
Nonprofit
- Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
- Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
- Other Native American tribal organizations
Education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
- Public and state institutions of higher education
Business
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
Program Help Desk
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| 2019_DLT_FOA_Traditional.pdf | Funding Opportunity Announcement- Traditional Program | Feb 14, 2019 05:59 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Archived: June 14, 2019
Award
$25,000,000
Program Funding
100
Expected awards
$50,000
Award Minimum
$500,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
RUS-19-02-DLT
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Education
Health
Category Explanation:
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
February 14, 2019
Archive date:
June 14, 2019
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