USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants

Authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa, the DLT Program provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. These grants are intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope.

The regulation for the DLT Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1734. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the FY 2020 DLT Grant Program Application Guide (Application Guide) and program resources. This Application Guide can be found in this entry on grants.gov as well as at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s own risk.

This is the second application window for the DLT program in FY2020. Approximately $71.7 million was made available for funding under Window 1, which included $47 million in funds appropriated for FY2020 as well as funds totaling $24.7 million which were not awarded during FY2019 and have been carried forward to the current year. Window 1 closed April 10, 2020. The Agency will be processing applications and making Window 1 awards in the coming months. Funds not awarded under Window 1 will be made available under Window 2, along with $25 million received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The agency also reserves the right to increase funding utilizing the application queue under this opportunity should additional appropriations become available for the same purposes.