# RISE 2.5: Recruit and Retain Workforce-Incentive Grant

The Utah RHTP RISE 2.5 grant is a competitive opportunity to select up to five grantees to implement structured clinical workforce recruitment and retention incentives in rural Utah. Grantees will lead intermediary-led sub-awards targeting rural hospitals, clinics, FQHCs, nursing homes, and billing providers to enforce CMS 5-year service commitments. Total anticipated funding for Budget Period 1 is $20M. Key deliverables include development of sub-award application processes, outreach, funding distribution, and ongoing project management and monitoring.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: GRANT
- Issued by: Utah Department of Health and Human Services (Utah)
- Posted: 2026-07-07
- Questions due: 2026-07-31
- Application due: 2026-08-04
- Funding: $4,128 – $20.0M
- Eligible applicants: Utah-based for-profit business, Utah-based non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, Utah-based government/public entity
- How to apply: Online application via designated portal https://dhhs.utah.gov/ruralhealth/funding-opportunities/
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://dhhs.utah.gov/ruralhealth/funding-opportunities/

## Eligibility

Applicants must be Utah-based legal entities (for-profit, non-profit 501(c)(3), or government), not debarred/suspended from federal or state funding. Must demonstrate legal operational status and ability to register as an active vendor with Utah State Purchasing within 14 business days of award notification. Must have established partnerships with rural Utah health facilities, capacity to support monitoring of CMS 5-year service commitments, and experience managing state/federal funds with rural partners.

## Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application via the designated portal before the deadline. Minimum eligibility requirements (legal status, federal/state standing) are pass/fail. Technical review will score: rural workforce incentive program design, operational experience, TA delivery, financial architecture understanding, Utah healthcare landscape fluency, and stakeholder collaboration. Only one application per entity is allowed; final submission before deadline is considered. Grantees must establish sub-award process, conduct outreach, administer funds, track clinical provider commitments, and report to DHHS.

## Required attachments

- Proof of Utah legal operational status
- Business license or 501(c)(3) documentation
- Utah Division of Corporations registration
- Public entity authorization (if applicable)
- Application form
- Key personnel/responsible parties
- Evidence of partnership with rural health facilities

## Application package and source documents

- [UT - 2026 - Utah RHTP RFGA Recruit & Retain (RISE 2.5 RFGA Packet (PDF))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/c9040b98-b35a-4563-9f1a-f551a7ccefa8/file) (primary) — official: https://dhhs.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Utah-RHTP-RISE-2.5-Recruit-and-Retain-RFGA.pdf
- [UT - 2027 - RISE Initiative 2.5 Recruit & Retain RFGA Q & A (RISE 2.5 Q&A (DOCX export))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/7bebee21-5e5c-4526-81ff-46f8bd668796/file) — official: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LJtfIwEsf_VZPKRoESjTA_p37-gLV--g2Njvr3KBxYg/export?format=docx
- [UT - 2026 - funding opportunities (3f6dc2) (Utah RHTP Funding Opportunities Page)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/e270c0e3-f2e1-4286-b31a-52c202792f5c/file) — official: https://dhhs.utah.gov/ruralhealth/funding-opportunities/

More Utah RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ut (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ut.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/rise-2-5-recruit-and-retain-workforce-incentive-grant--908e57e1c0 — data as of 2026-08-18.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.