North Dakota RHTP Childcare for the Rural Health Workforce (210-223)

Summary

North Dakota Health and Human Services (ND HHS) invites applications from rurally located hospitals (critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, general acute hospitals, including non-federally operated Indian Health Service (IHS) hospitals and tribally run 638 facilities) to plan and develop sustainable childcare solutions that support recruitment and retention of rural health workforce in North Dakota. Planning grants are available to conduct needs assessments, feasibility studies, and comprehensive operational, staffing, and sustainability plans for embedding childcare within rural healthcare facilities. The funding supports activities like partnership development, community and stakeholder engagement, legal and governance planning, and design of policy and procedures necessary for licensing and operations. Approximately $3,000,000 is available, with an estimated 38 awards averaging ~$78,000 each. Funds are for planning only; implementation funding is anticipated in early 2027. Only one application per eligible organization is permitted, and proposed projects must be focused on rural areas outside of Grand Forks, Fargo, West Fargo, and Bismarck.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are rurally located hospitals in North Dakota, defined as critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, and general acute hospitals, including non-federally operated Indian Health Service hospitals and tribally run 638 health facilities. Clinics, health centers, behavioral/psychiatric hospitals, and federally operated IHS hospitals are ineligible. Applicants in Grand Forks, Fargo, West Fargo, and Bismarck are not eligible.

Requirements Checklist