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

Summary

The program supports recruitment and retention efforts, training, care model transformation, and wrap-around services, with funding for regional partnerships. Eligible entities are nonprofits and governmental organizations in specified rural counties. Grants are awarded for up to four years, with a minimum award of $500,000 and a maximum of $10 million per lead applicant across all applications.

Eligibility

Eligible lead applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and/or governmental entities located in and serving one or more counties listed in the target area map (see Grant Program Announcement page 3). Other public, private, or nonprofit organizations may participate as partners. All applicants must meet requirements in Exhibit 5: Due Diligence Checklist and Pre-Award Risk Assessment.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must develop project plans that address rural health workforce challenges, submit all required exhibits (detailed budgets, project timeline, W-9, due diligence checklist, letters of commitment, and, if applicable, indirect cost agreement), ensure compliance with state and federal regulations (2 CFR 200 and 300), and engage partners serving the eligible rural target area. Minor renovations may not exceed 20% of funding; personnel grant management costs limited to 10%. New construction and certain costs are unallowable. All activities must support workforce transformation priorities described in the Grant Program Announcement.

Required attachments

• Exhibit 1: Budget – Year 1