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 2026 DLT Grant Program Application Guide (Application Guide) and program resources. This Application Guide will be made available here and on the program website 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.

Government

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

Nonprofit

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

Education

• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts
• Private institutions of higher education

Business

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses