# Critical Access Hospitals to Rural Emergency Hospitals Conversion Grants

Nebraska RHTP Initiative 2.5 provides funding for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) to complete infrastructure, technology, and equipment improvements that support expanded service lines, promote quality improvement, and strengthen financial stability. Funding must be used for minor improvements and does not support major construction or operating costs. Awarded projects are selected based on demonstrated need, projected impact, and a strategic financial plan with return-on-investment analysis. The maximum award per application is $67,600; all funds must be expended by July 31, 2027.

## Key facts

- Status: Open
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (Nebraska)
- Posted: 2026-05-01
- Questions due: 2026-05-08
- Application due: 2027-07-31
- Eligible applicants: Critical Access Hospital, Rural Emergency Hospital
- How to apply: Email completed application materials to DHHS.CAHSupport@nebraska.gov
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RHTP%20Initiative%202.5%20RFA.pdf

## Eligibility

Applicants must be Nebraska Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Emergency Hospitals that demonstrate, through a financial plan and analysis, how infrastructure, technology, or equipment improvements will improve access to care, expand or enhance service lines, or advance quality of care. A strategic financial plan with ROI analysis developed within the past three years must support the application.

## Requirements

Applications must include: (1) Application cover sheet; (2) Work plan with activities and timelines (template provided); (3) Budget (Financial Workbook format); (4) One-page summary of the proposal; and (5) A strategic financial plan with return-on-investment analysis from the past three years. Administrative/indirect costs are capped at 7.5%. No major construction, operating costs, or EHR implementation may be funded.

## Required attachments

- Application cover sheet
- Work plan (template from RFA)
- Budget (Financial Workbook)
- One-page summary of proposal
- Strategic financial plan with return-on-investment analysis (developed in last three years)

## Application package and source documents

- [NE - 2027 - RHTP RFA – Initiative 4.4a Community Health Worker (CHW) Training and Support](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/e7eb6a8c-8179-45a4-b336-b73ef883ee4d/file) (primary) — official: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RHTP%20Initiative%204.4a%20CHW%20RFA.pdf
- [NE - 2026 - RHTP – Initiative 2.5 Request for Applications (Initiative 2.5 application cover form (2024))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/5aaf5729-e9ac-4433-b482-1a7c11a2ea02/file) — official: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/Form%201%20RHTP%202.5%20Application%20Cover%20Sheet.docx
- [NE - 2027 - RHTP RFA – Initiative 2.5: Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) to Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH) Conversion](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/f56e35fa-cebb-4841-8467-2a83151febd7/file) — official: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RHTP%20Initiative%202.5%20RFA.pdf

More Nebraska RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ne (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ne.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/critical-access-hospitals-to-rural-emergency-hospitals-conversion-grants--23255c9905 — data as of 2026-06-15.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.