Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation (WIG:HEART)

Summary

The program supports recruitment and retention of clinical staff, expansion of health education pathways (including nursing, mental health, and allied health fields), training partnerships, wrap-around services for low-income and underrepresented groups, regional care innovation (such as micro-clinics and telehealth), and technology adoption. Eligible lead applicants are nonprofits and governmental entities serving eligible rural counties; awards range from $500,000 to $10 million for up to four years. Annual renewals are contingent on performance. Activities must directly address workforce gaps and transformative care delivery models aligned with priorities outlined in the Grant Program Announcement.

Eligibility

Eligible lead applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and governmental entities located in and providing services to one or more of the counties identified as rural or semi-rural in the target area map (see Grant Program Announcement, page 3). Entities may submit multiple applications as lead when representing distinct partnerships; cumulative awards per lead are limited to $10 million. Sub-recipients and project partners may be from any public, private, or nonprofit sector. All applicants and partners must complete the Exhibit 5: Due Diligence Checklist and Pre-Award Risk Assessment.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must propose multi-year project plans that address explicitly documented rural health workforce gaps; submit all required exhibits (budget templates for all years, project timeline, W-9, due diligence checklist, letters of commitment, indirect cost agreement if applicable); comply with all state/federal rules (including 2 CFR 200, 45 CFR 156.400, and SSA Section 2105(c) limitations); and engage local partners serving the rural target area. Minor renovations cannot exceed 20% of budget per year; EMR/EHR replacement is capped at 5% per year if a prior HITECH-certified system is in place; and construction/certain categorized expenses are disallowed. Annual performance reviews determine continued funding.

Required attachments

• Exhibit 1: Budget – Year 1
• Exhibit 2: Budget – Years 2 to 4
• Exhibit 3: Timeline
• Exhibit 4: W-9 Form
• Exhibit 5: Due Diligence Checklist and Pre-Award Risk Assessment
• Exhibit 6: Letters of Commitment
• Exhibit 7: Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

Submission Instructions

Online portal submission via https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/det/heart/apply/ (see official announcement and program website for direct application link).

Source Documents