Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants

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 2020 DLT Grant Program Application Guide (Application Guide) and program resources. This Application Guide can be found in this entry on grants.gov as well as at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s own risk.

Approximately $71.7 million is available for funding opportunities under this FOA. Of that total, $12 million may only be used for telemedicine and distance learning projects to help address the opioid epidemic in rural America. An additional $9.4 million is intended for telemedicine projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services in rural areas. The remaining $50.3 million is available for all eligible projects.

Government

• State governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• City or township governments
• County governments
• Special district governments

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
• Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)

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