GO-NORTH Access Initiative (Technology, Financial Sustainability, and Access for Rural Hospitals in New Hampshire) — 2026 Request for Applications

Summary

This Request for Applications (RFA) invites New Hampshire Critical Access Hospitals, rural hospitals, specialty hospitals, and partner organizations to apply for funding to implement projects that strengthen, transform, and sustain healthcare delivery for rural communities in New Hampshire. Funding supports investments in expanded specialty and acute care access, financial and operational sustainability, and modernization of clinical and administrative infrastructure. Projects must align with at least one of three focus areas: Access, Technology, and Financial Sustainability.

Eligibility

Eligible lead applicants: (1) New Hampshire Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs); (2) New Hampshire licensed hospitals (with or without CAH designation) located in a rural area; (3) New Hampshire licensed hospitals not in a rural area but proposing projects predominantly impacting rural patients; or (4) organizations partnering with eligible hospitals to transform delivery of hospital care in rural New Hampshire. Applicants outside NH must demonstrate direct benefit to rural NH hospitals/patients/communities. Multiple organizations may collaborate, but a lead applicant/fiscal agent must be specified. Health systems may apply on behalf of member hospitals, providing identification of participating eligible hospitals.

Requirements Checklist

• Submit a written narrative application via the FHC online portal addressing project rationale, alignment with Focus Areas, milestones, workplan, organizational capacity, rural impact, partnerships/collaboration, measurable outcomes, sustainability, and budget. Include required attachments: (1) Workplan of Milestones and Timeline (template provided); (2) Project Budget (template provided); (3) Letters of Support or MOUs from key partners. Applicants must identify readiness stage (Project Development, Preparatory Investment, Program Ready). Budget must comply with indirect/admin cap, allowable costs, and equipment approval rules.