North Carolina Rural Health Innovation Fund

Summary

the state's Rural Health Transformation Program. In its first year, the Fund helps rural primary care providers, federally qualified health centers, community health centers, and safety-net providers test and scale digital solutions that improve access, care delivery, and operations. Eligible projects include telehealth expansion, AI-enabled clinical decision support, electronic health record upgrades, cybersecurity enhancements, and other scalable digital-health infrastructure. The Fund is reimbursement-based and supports projects that are sustainable and enhance quality of care for rural communities.

Eligibility

In its first year, the Rural Health Innovation Fund is open to primary care providers, federally qualified health centers, community health centers, and safety-net providers that meet applicable federal health center requirements. Applicants must demonstrate how they serve rural residents, including in counties not designated as rural.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must complete a readiness intake, gather project quotes, and submit a full application through the NC Rural Health Innovation Fund grant process by 11:59 p.m. on November 16, 2026. Funding will be distributed on a reimbursement basis. All funded projects must be completed by July 30, 2027.

Submission Instructions

Complete the online readiness intake at https://ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_80qBAYwAxIrmMSi