The USDA expects to award approximately $60 million in grants through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program for fiscal year 2024. Funds can be used to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas.
Eligible entities include government organizations, tribes, non-profit organizations, and certain others. Applications are due by April 29.
The minimum grant amount is $50,000 and the maximum grant amount is $1 million. Matching contributions of 15% are required.
USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Funds can be used for:
- Audio, video, and interactive video equipment
- Broadband facilities used for distance learning or telemedicine (up to a certain percentage)
- Computer hardware, network components, and software
- Instructional programming
- Limited technical assistance and instruction on how to use distance learning and telemedicine equipment
The awards will be made based on a scoring system. Points to be awarded are as follows:
- Rurality (up to 40 points)
- Economic need (up to 30 points)
- Service needs and benefits (up to 30 points)
- Special consideration for most distressed areas, advancing racial justice, and others (up to 10 points)
Those interested in applying can find more details about this round of the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine program in this notice of funding opportunity.