# Rural Health Transformation Program 2026: NJ Rural Southern Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (NJ R-SPAN)

Supports evidence-based physical activity, nutrition, and obesity prevention initiatives for rural communities in southern NJ (Atlantic, Cumberland, Salem, Cape May), leveraging partnerships across agriculture, healthcare, business, education, parks/recreation, and more. Funding targets uninsured and underinsured populations, focusing on increased access to arthritis management, nutritious food, preventive care, health screenings, and workplace wellness initiatives. Interventions include workforce wellness programs, screenings, digital outreach and telehealth in employment and food settings, provider-assisted referrals, data-driven nutrition access, and dissemination of Arthritis Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions (AAEBI). Allowable uses include supplies and equipment for screenings, education, telehealth stations, digital outreach, software, and training. Grant period: May 1–October 30, 2026. Submission portal: https://dohsage.intelligrants.com/. Total available funding for NJ R-SPAN: $1,170,000. Up to 7 awards, each up to $200,000.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: NJ Department of Health - Division of Health Promotion, Community Health & Wellness Unit (New Jersey)
- Posted: 2026-03-16
- Application due: 2026-04-10
- Funding: $200,000
- Eligible applicants: Nonprofit, Government, Hospital, Health Center, Tribal Organization, Academic Institution
- How to apply: https://dohsage.intelligrants.com/ (NJ SAGE grants system)
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://nj.gov/rural-health-transformation/documents/njrht-2026-rfa-improving-chronic-disease-outcomes.pdf

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, FQHCs, rural health clinics, local health departments, nonprofit organizations, tribal health organizations, academic/healthcare-affiliated institutions partnering with rural entities, and others serving uninsured/underinsured in qualifying rural counties. Eligibility limited to applicants proposing activities for populations in designated rural target areas identified under federal, state, or RRS definitions: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Sussex, Warren, and 10 rural census tracts in Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic (see Appendices A–C for detail). Applicants serving HRSA-defined rural areas may receive priority.

## Requirements

Applicants must submit their application via the SAGE grants portal, including: project narrative, budget, annual audit report or most recent tax return, IRS determination letter and NJ Charities Registration (if nonprofit), Tax Clearance Certificate, Letters of Collaboration, documentation of rural target area, methods, evaluation plan, report on overlap/supplanting, supplanting certification, and all required SAGE forms/attachments. Grant funds cannot be used for reimbursable services by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.

## Required attachments

- Annual audit report or most recent tax return
- IRS determination letter (if non-profit)
- NJ Charities Registration (if non-profit)
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Letters of collaboration (as applicable)
- Report on overlap and supplanting
- Signed certification: no supplanting of funds
- Standard SAGE forms and attachments
- Documentation of rural target area served
- Methods and evaluation plan

## Application package and source documents

- [NJ - 2026 - Request for Applications (RFA) - RHT Grant](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/a20a2b38-4e21-40ae-ace7-e12ffd8028b8/file) (primary) — official: https://nj.gov/rural-health-transformation/documents/njrht-2026-rfa-improving-chronic-disease-outcomes.pdf

More New Jersey RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/nj (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/nj.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/rural-health-transformation-program-2026-nj-rural-southern-physical-activity-and--457324198d — data as of 2026-08-31.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.