# Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Plan – CHW Specialized Certificate Funding Opportunity (2026)

This Request for Applications (RFA) offers one-time competitive funding for Kentucky-based non-profit training organizations to develop and deliver Community Health Worker (CHW) specialized certificate training programs in four rural health priority areas: Healthy Lifestyle Management, Perinatal & Infant Health, Mental & Behavioral Health, and Oral & Dental Health. The opportunity supports design, curriculum development, and implementation expenses, in accordance with Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers (KOCHW) standards. Each applicant may submit up to four proposals (one per area) with awards up to ~$200,000 per certificate, depending on the submitted budget. Programs must be asynchronous, provided at no cost to CHWs via the TRAIN learning platform, and require meaningful CHW involvement in development. KOCHW approval is required prior to program delivery. Funded organizations will report on implementation progress. The overall goal is to expand and upskill the specialized CHW workforce in rural Kentucky and advance the Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP).

## Key facts

- Status: Archived
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: Kentucky Department for Public Health (Kentucky)
- Posted: 2026-07-15
- Application due: 2026-08-05
- Funding: $200,000 – $800,000
- Eligible applicants: Non-profit, College/University, Health Department, AHEC, Professional Association
- How to apply: Submission via the Funding Opportunities page at ruralhealthplan.ky.gov Portal: https://ruralhealthplan.ky.gov
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://ruralhealthplan.ky.gov/Documents/CHW%20Specialized%20Certificates%20RFA%20Information%20Session%20ADA.pdf

## Eligibility

Kentucky-based non-profit training organizations (e.g., colleges/universities, health departments, AHECs, professional associations) experienced with KOCHW standards.

## Requirements

Each proposal (one per certificate area) must include: Application narrative (max 10 pages) with certificate purpose, curriculum, alignment to CHW competencies/KOCHW standards, and a sample module; evaluation plan; implementation timeline (Sept 2026–June 2027). Submit a curriculum outline and a completed FY27 budget using the required attachment. Training must be asynchronous, delivered on the TRAIN platform, and at no cost to CHWs. Meaningful CHW involvement in curriculum development is required. Awardees must obtain KOCHW training organization approval prior to program delivery and must report on RHT implementation progress. Funds must be used for allowable purposes including subject matter experts, marketing, equipment, supplies, technology, translation, and evaluation.

## Required attachments

- Application Narrative (max 10 pages) including sample module
- FY27 Budget attachment
- Curriculum outline
- Evaluation plan

## Application package and source documents

- [KY - 2026 - Community Health Worker Specialized Certificate Funding Opportunity Information Session](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/d96a892f-720d-47bf-97d9-f08560814a34/file) (primary) — official: https://ruralhealthplan.ky.gov/Documents/CHW%20Specialized%20Certificates%20RFA%20Information%20Session%20ADA.pdf

More Kentucky RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ky (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ky.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/kentucky-rural-health-transformation-plan-chw-specialized-certificate-funding-op--a6cbf30cd6 — data as of 2026-07-27.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.