# Workforce Retention Grant for Critical Access Hospitals and Clinics (2026)

The North Dakota RHTP Workforce Retention Grant funds projects at Critical Access Hospitals and their owned and operated clinics to promote rural provider retention and workforce stability. Eligible projects must implement measurable strategies addressing retention challenges, including retention bonuses, childcare supports, and professional development. Funding based on CMS-authorized $198.9M state plan; approximately $10M is available in this round, with about 37 awards anticipated.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: GRANT
- Issued by: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (North Dakota)
- Posted: 2026-02-15
- Application due: 2026-04-30
- Funding: $50,000 – $500,000
- Eligible applicants: Nonprofit Hospital, Public Hospital, Clinic (owned/operated by CAH)
- How to apply: Electronic submission via ND HHS Qualtrics application portal.
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation/funding

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants are Critical Access Hospitals located in North Dakota and their owned and operated clinics. Applicants must align projects with RHTP objectives to strengthen and stabilize the rural health workforce.

## Requirements

Applications must address measurable outcomes, sustainable planning, and alignment with the RHTP state transformation plan. Funds must follow all state and federal guidance and reporting requirements. Quarterly progress and expenditure reports are required, plus a final report 15 days after grant end.

## Required attachments

- Project Narrative
- Budget and Justification
- Letters of Support (if applicable)
- Organizational W9 (if not previously registered)

## Application package and source documents

- [ND - 2026 - Funding Opportunity Scoring Tool Attachment B: Scoring Tool (Scoring Tool (Attachment B))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/ad468b69-dd8a-41b6-bd28-d563835c210b/file) — official: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/rhtp/attachment-b-scoring-tool-cah-workforce-exclusion.pdf
- [ND - 2026 - Workforce Retention Funding for Critical Access Hospitals and Their Owned and Operated Clinics Funding Opportunity Solicitation Number: 210-22102 (Workforce Grant Presentation)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/4a4e0324-fdc9-40d7-b376-0eb29ff04371/file) (primary) — official: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/rhtp/cah-workforce-retention-grant-presentation-exclusion.pdf
- [ND - 2026 - RHT Funding Opportunities (ND RHT Funding Opportunities page)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/7217deaa-8ff6-498f-9d09-c0d31497eb77/file) — official: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation/funding

More North Dakota RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/nd (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/nd.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/workforce-retention-grant-for-critical-access-hospitals-and-clinics-2026--b85494abd5 — data as of 2026-08-18.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.