# AHEAD Model Pre-Implementation Funding

This funding opportunity launches Budget Period 1 of the GREAT Health Program under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Eligible rural hospitals that have signed an LOI to participate in the AHEAD Model may apply for up to $750,000 to support migration to the new payment system, modernization of technology, workforce recruitment and retention, primary care outreach, and regional collaboration. There are 87 awards available. All funding awarded must be spent by September 30, 2027.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: GRANT
- Issued by: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) (Georgia)
- Posted: 2026-05-15
- Questions due: 2026-05-29
- Application due: 2026-06-15
- Eligible applicants: Rural Hospitals, AHEAD Model Participants
- How to apply: Online via GREAT Health Application Portal
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://www.gha.org/Advocacy/Rural-Healthcare/Rural-Health-Transformation-Program/Funding-Opportunities

## Eligibility

Rural hospitals in Georgia that have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to participate in the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) model pre-implementation planning.

## Requirements

Applicants must submit their application through the GREAT Health Application Portal within the specified deadline. Allowed uses include technology and infrastructure modernization, workforce recruitment and retention, and preparing for transition to the AHEAD payment model. Follow all instructions in the application portal.

## Application package and source documents

- [GA - 2026 - GREAT Health Funding Opportunity Announcement Budget Period 1 (AHEAD Model Pre-Implementation Funding Opportunity Announcement)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/ed0516c0-e2fb-4234-b44f-effb978281c0/file) (primary) — official: https://www.gha.org/Portals/0/AHEAD%20MODEL%20Pre-Implementation%20Funding%20Opportunity%203.pdf
- [GA - 2026 - About the Georgia Department of Community Health (Phase 3 Award Announcement — 80 hospitals awarded $750,000)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/a9f3d713-576e-4ce0-9922-8b13a32374ce/file) — official: https://dch.georgia.gov/announcement/2026-07-23/georgia-reaches-103-million-total-awards-date-expand-rural-healthcare
- [GA - 2026 - GREAT Health Phase 3 AHEAD Model Awarded Hospitals (Official Phase 3 Awarded Hospital List — July 22, 2026)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/4441e183-76e4-41c6-b887-2528c2e5ba0a/file) — official: https://greathealth.georgia.gov/value-based-care-hospital-list
- [GA - 2025 - RHT Value-Based Care Model Eligible Hospitals (AHEAD Model Eligible Hospitals)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/f42c7f1e-edbb-4db8-ada1-0b6938e461e1/file) — official: https://dch.georgia.gov/document/document/great-health-vbc-hospital-list0/download

More Georgia RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ga (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ga.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/ahead-model-pre-implementation-funding--21a0a81985 — data as of 2026-08-18.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.