Grant Application Guide

Funding Opportunity Announcement 
Grant Application Guide
July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 

Rural Healthcare Workforce Development Initiatives

Application Due Date: February 13, 2026 | 5:00 PM Central Time 

Submit application via email to the following: 

Rural Workforce Initiatives: Rural.Workforce@tn.gov. Copy Teresa Smith: TL.Smith@tn.gov  

Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-TN-RHCI-26-01 

Executive Summary 

Rural communities in Tennessee often struggle to access quality healthcare due to factors like limited facilities, long travel distances, workforce shortages, and high costs. Governor Bill Lee is prioritizing initiatives to improve rural healthcare. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is leading efforts to address workforce shortages across various industries, with healthcare as a priority. The healthcare workforce in Tennessee’s rural communities is facing significant shortages in multiple fields, including dental hygiene, nursing, social work, and medical technology. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the challenge of recruiting and retaining talent is compounded by barriers that students and workers face, such as limited financial support and training opportunities. 

This initiative leverages existing healthcare training structures and expands apprenticeship, Workforce Development Initiatives (WDI), and Work Based Learning to strengthen the rural healthcare pipeline. Financial support will be provided to sponsoring entities to offer training, certification, and apprenticeships, while also addressing ancillary costs like transportation, student classroom materials, student supplies, student tools of the trade, and examination fees that create barriers for participants. TDLWD, Rural Workforce Initiatives, is supporting local efforts to increase training and employment through the Rural Healthcare Initiatives grant. 

Assessment of Need 

Governor Bill Lee established the Tennessee Rural Healthcare Task Force (“Task Force”) as a private partnership originating within the Tennessee Department of Health to build upon the state’s existing investments in rural healthcare. The Task Force developed a set of strategic recommendations that include innovative programs, policy and funding opportunities, and legislative priorities aimed at improving healthcare access across rural Tennessee. Through this work, the Task Force identified three priority areas:

1. Access to Care
2. Workforce Development
3. Social Drivers of Health

These provide the guiding framework for this funding opportunity and for strengthening rural healthcare service delivery across the state. Current and future Statewide healthcare workforce supply inadequacies include dental hygienist/assistants, emergency personnel, registered nurses (RNs), mental health/substance abuse social workers, social/human service assistants, licensed practical/vocational nurses, clinical laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists, and medical records and health information technicians. Additionally, students often face several barriers (e.g., limited financial support and training opportunities) related to healthcare education and employment. 

Program Purpose 

In alignment with TDLWD’s mission to advance workforce development and improve workplace safety, the primary focus of this grant program is to leverage existing healthcare training structures to expand and support Registered Apprenticeships, Workforce Development Initiatives (WDIs), and Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities in rural communities.  Applicants are encouraged to build upon existing healthcare talent pipelines by connecting individuals to career opportunities and focusing on the following priorities:

• State and local partner engagement 
• Retaining talent 
• Recruiting new talent 
• Growing existing talent 
• Supporting career changers 
• Removing barriers and allowing flexibility   

The initiative will provide financial support to rural sponsoring entities to develop and expand Apprenticeships, Workforce Development Initiatives (WDI), and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs. This support will cover ancillary costs for Apprentices and WDI/WBL participants, including transportation, uniforms, certification and examination fees, annual background checks, drug screenings, training, course credits, and other essential components of healthcare training to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in rural areas. 

Key Objectives 

1. Partner & Workforce System Engagement: Collaborate with state and local partners, including employers, American Job Centers, Adult Education, and WIOA programs, to support rural healthcare recruitment and programming.
2. Talent Pipeline Development & Retention: Strengthen local healthcare talent pipelines while supporting retention of the existing workforce through ongoing training and advancement opportunities. Attract new individuals and provide training and certification programs for career changers and individuals transitioning into healthcare careers workforce by offering support and opportunities.
3. Recruitment & Entry Pathways: Expand access to short-term, replicable certification, credentialing, WDI, WBL, Apprenticeship, and Pre-Apprenticeship programs, including pathways for career changers.
4. Program Expansion & Alignment: Utilize new and current resources and expand existing healthcare training programs (e.g., CNA, EMT, Respiratory Therapist, Dental Assistant/Hygienist, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy, and Lab Technicians) aligned with employer needs.
5. Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement: Monitor outcomes regularly and adjust strategies to improve recruitment, training effectiveness, and workforce readiness.
6. Partner, Pipeline, and Employer Alignment: Leverage state, local, and employer partnerships to support programming and participants; retain the current workforce through ongoing development; build education and career pathways that enable quick, effective workforce entry; and ensure training aligns with employer needs for immediate workforce readiness.

Eligibility  

• Rural Sponsoring Entities: Organizations based in one of Tennessee’s rural counties (excluding Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby counties) are eligible to apply. Entities located in metropolitan areas (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby counties) may apply if the services are provided in rural areas. 
• Participant Eligibility: Participants residing in one of Tennessee’s 91 rural counties (excluding Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby counties) are eligible to participate.
  • Participant Eligibility Exception Policy allows for participant exception and establishes clear criteria for granting exceptions to participants who reside outside of the designated rural service area. Exceptions are intended to ensure flexibility while preserving the program’s primary focus on strengthening the rural healthcare workforce. Programs requesting exceptions should make every effort to recruit individuals within the identified counties before requesting exception.
  • Participant Exception form must be submitted and will be limited to one participant or no more than 10% of total participants enrolled during the program year.
• To apply for a grant, an applicant must be an “eligible provider,” and grants will be awarded to eligible providers on a competitive basis. The term “eligible provider” means an organization that may include, but is not limited to: 
  • a) A local educational agency;  
  • b) A local workforce development board; 
  • c) A community-based organization or faith-based organization; 
  • d) An institution of higher education;  
  • e) A public or private nonprofit agency;  
  • f) A hospital or healthcare facility; 
  • g) A dental office/facility or training program; 
  • h) A healthcare training provider; 
  • i) A healthcare association/organization; 
  • j) A nonprofit institution that is not described in any of subparagraphs (a) through (i) and has the ability to provide training activities to eligible individuals;  
  • k) A consortium or coalition of the agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or authorities described in any of subparagraphs (a) through (i); and  
  • l) A partnership between an employer and an entity described in any subparagraph (a) through (j). 

Funding Availability and Timeline 

Maximum Grant Request: $250,000 per applicant for program year July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Grant amounts may vary depending on submissions and negotiations may need to occur pending the number of applications submitted for this award. Submission of application does not guarantee funding.  

Administrative Costs: Maximum of 10% of the total budget may be used for administrative purposes. 

Grant Timeline

Funding Information 

Contract Performance Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 

Funds will support the full-scale implementation of the program. Monthly budget evaluation and participant metrics will track the success of all programming, retention, recruitment, and talent development. Budget and participant reporting are required no less than monthly, with provision for ad-hoc requests for more frequent updates as deemed necessary.

Category A: Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship            

• Expansion of State Approved Apprenticeship and/or State Certified Pre-Apprenticeship (see ApprenticeshipTN for more information)
• Include support for apprentices by covering ancillary costs like transportation, supplies, scrubs, certification fees, examination fees, initial background checks and drug screens, etc. 

Category B: Workforce Development Initiatives 

• Workforce Development Initiatives (WDI): 
  • Adult Education (AE) WDI: AE Integrated Education & Training, AE Workplace Specific, AE Post-Secondary Pathways (see TN Adult Education Programs for more information)
  • Post-Secondary Training WDI, Employer-Based WDI
  • K12 Work-Based Learning (WBL), K12/Post-Secondary Dual Enrollment (see Tennessee Department of Education Work Based Learning for more information)
• Include support for participants by covering ancillary costs like transportation, supplies, scrubs, certification and licensure fees, examination fees, initial background checks and drug screens, etc.

It is expected that all applications will include the required documents. The Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiatives grant is a cost reimbursement program, and expenditures must occur within the relevant timeframe designated by the grant contract. The expected grant period is July 1, 2026, and will end on June 30, 2027.  

Application Guidance 

Format

Applicants should write their grant application using the following format:  

• Written in narrative form;  
• Formatted using 12-point, double-spaced, Times New Roman or Open Sans font; 
• Numbered pages and a running header containing the applicant’s name; 
• Organized and include clearly labeled section headings (provided below in italics); 
• Submitted as a Word document or PDF;
• Include cover page (copy and paste into final document); and 
• Include a complete budget proposal spreadsheet (as separate attachment)

Program Elements 

1. Leverage Existing Training Structures to Develop and Expand Training: Create new and/or expand and strengthen existing healthcare training programs, Apprenticeships, Workforce Development Initiatives (WDIs), and Work Based Learning (WBL) in rural communities.  
2. Financial Support: Provide financial assistance to rural participants for training, certifications, licensure fees, and course credits, as well as cover transportation, supplies, and other costs that often prevent participation. 
3. Partnerships with Employers and Educational Programs: Partner with at least one employer in the healthcare field to ensure job placements for program participants and engage local AJC partners and educational institutions to provide academic support, wraparound support, and job training. Actively engage employers with all other partners to ensure the career seeker can be placed upon program completion.  
4. Outreach and Recruitment: Implement targeted recruitment campaigns to attract new talent, retain the current workforce, and support career changers, with a special focus on underrepresented populations in rural areas. Collaborate with American Job Centers and WIOA programs, specifically Apprenticeship and Adult Education programs to promote careers in rural healthcare. 
5. Evaluation and Monitoring: Monitor outcomes and adjust programming as necessary to continue to build a firm foundation of recruitment and training for healthcare occupations. Track program outcomes, including enrollment, completion rates, job placements, wage progression, and continued training, to ensure the program is meeting its goals and adjust strategies as necessary. Budget and participant reporting are required no less than monthly, with provision for ad-hoc requests for more frequent updates as deemed necessary.

Formal Application 

The application should address each of the Program Elements and follow the instructions for formatting. Failure to do so may result in the application being disqualified or receiving a low score. Please organize the application using the following design:

1. Cover Page 

• Download official cover page

2. Program Design Narrative 

Organization Overview

• Brief description of organization with evidence of demonstrative effectiveness of providing healthcare related training 

Service Area, Workforce Need, and Target Occupations

• Identify the service area by county where training, community wraparound services, and job placement will occur.
• Describe the healthcare workforce need within the service area using local data, labor force participation rates, and labor market information. .
• Identify the healthcare occupations targeted for employment based on current and/or projected local labor market demand in the geographic area. 

Employer Engagement and Workforce Shortage Strategy

• Identify at least one healthcare employer partner that will provide employment or on-the-job training opportunities for program participants.
• Describe how employer partners were selected and how their workforce needs informed program design.  
• Provide a clear strategy for how the program will address identified healthcare workforce shortages in the service area.

Program Description

• Identify if Category A - Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship or Category B – Workforce Development Initiative
• Provide a detailed description of the healthcare program to be developed, including:
  • Occupational training program to be offered and the entities providing them
  • Timeline for each cohort
  • Type of training (e.g., apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, WDI, work-based learning)
  • Brief description of program-related costs and costs per participant (details will be in budget narrative)
  • Roles and responsibilities of each partner
  • Include support for apprentices/participants by covering ancillary costs like transportation, supplies, scrubs, certification fees, examination fees, initial background checks and drug screens, etc.

Participant Support Services

• Provide a narrative describing direct support for participants, which may include but is not limited to program costs covered for participants, on-the-job training, and educational and/or vocational services.

Expected Outcomes

• Describe intended program outcomes, including enrollment, completions, participants entering additional training, targeted occupations, and employment outcomes.

Sustainability Plan

• Describe how the program will be sustained beyond the contract period.

Partnerships

• Briefly explain the letters of support from each partner organization that clearly defines their role in the program. 
  • A mandatory working partnership with the local American Job Center that provide wraparound support services for program participants. 
  • Partnership with surrounding local Adult Education programs to assist with programming and/or recruitment/outreach. 
  • Employer partnership that commits to opportunity for program completers 

Budget Narrative  

• Must align with the proposed program design and targeted rural areas. A maximum of 10% of the total budget may be used for administrative costs. 
• Provide detailed budget showing the allocation of funds for training, support services, and program management

3. Letters of Support (appendix)

• Employer partnership letter that commits to opportunity for program completers 
• Letter of support from Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) chair and/or executive director confirming support from the One Stop Operator and American Job Center partner staff  
• Letter of support from local Adult Education program director confirming support.
• Optional: Letters of support from community wraparound partnering agencies, education providers, non-profits, or other non-governmental organizations identified to provide support services to program participants and their role. 

4. Budget Worksheet

• Complete the official budget worksheets. Attach the Excel budget pages downloaded from the website.

It is expected that all applications will include the required documents. The Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiatives grant is a cost reimbursement program, and all expenditures must occur within the relevant timeframe designated by the grant contract. The expected grant period is July 1, 2026, and will end on June 30, 2027.