Rural Tech Catalyst Fund (RTCF)

Dates in the RFA

• Submission DeadlineJuly 15, 2026
• Submission DeadlineEarly August, 2026

Who can apply

1. Eligible Use of Funds

Funding

Funding overview LDH anticipates making up to $30 million available in Year 1 for this NOFO, subject to available RHTP funding, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approvals and requirements, state and federal law, satisfactory performance, and execution of required agreements.

How to apply

This opportunity operates on an open enrollment basis, meaning applications to participate in the program are accepted at any time. To be considered for Year 1 Funds (August 1, 2026-September 30, 2027), applications must be received no later than June 25, 2026. May 15, 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity Issued May 22, 2026 Deadline to Submit Written Questions May 29, 2026 Answers to Written Questions Posted June 25, 2026 Application Submission Deadline for Year 1 Funds June 25-July 15, 2026 Application Evaluation Period for Year 1 Funds Early to Mid-July Notice of Intent to Contract Announcements Note: There will be opportunities for applicants awarded Year 1 funds to apply for…

Match or cost share

of healthcare staff in rural areas. Types of financial support may include: ● Sign-on bonuses for newly hired rural clinicians ● Retention bonuses for clinicians in hard-to-fill or high-turnover positions ● Relocation assistance, stipends, or transition costs tied to recruitment ● Training, certification, or skill development stipends that directly support long- term retention or scope-of-practice expansion This is a reimbursement-based program. Funds will be provided to subrecipients after payment is made to the staff and the required documentation is reviewed and approved by LDH. To reduce risk, contracts executed to establish financial support should meet the following criteria: • Be…