Second Application Round for DLT Grant Program Released
USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for a second round of the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program with funding levels ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. There is $25 million available for this program from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as well as funds not awarded during the first funding round to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities. Applications for this round are due July 13, 2020.
What is the DLT grant program? The DLT grant program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. This program is intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope. For this funding round, applicants are encouraged to identify how their application addresses COVID-19.
Who is eligible to apply for DLT? Most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses are eligible to apply for the program.
What are eligible expenses for the DLT grant program? Grant funds can be used for:
- Acquisition of eligible equipment, such as:
- Computer hardware and software
- Site licenses and maintenance contracts
- Extended warranties (up to 3 years)
- Audio and video equipment
- Computer network components
- Telecommunications terminal equipment
- Data terminal equipment
- Interactive audio/video equipment
- Inside wiring
- Broadband facilities, if owned by the applicant
- Acquisition of instructional programming that is a capital asset
- Acquisition of technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment.
What are the funding levels? The funding levels range from $50,000-$1,000,000.
Is there a match requirement? A minimum of a 15 percent match is required.
When is the deadline? Electronic application submissions must be received no later than 11:59 pm ET on July 13, 2020. Paper submissions will not be accepted under this window because of the COVID-19 crisis and the RUS staff are currently teleworking. Electronic applications must be submitted through grants.gov.
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for this second round of applications can be found here.
For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.