Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program

Background
The Rural Health and Safety Education Program, under ALN 10.516, aims to enhance the quality of life in rural communities by providing essential knowledge for successful rural development programs. The program seeks to improve coordination among federal agencies, other government levels, institutions, and private organizations in rural areas while disseminating information about rural conditions.

It addresses the relationship between rural prosperity and health and safety within the context of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

Grant Details
The Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) Competitive Grant Program for FY 2026 focuses on individual and family health education programs. Projects must provide:
1) Information about the value of good health at any age;
2) Motivation for individuals or families to take responsibility for their health;
3) Access to health promotion activities;
4) Support for opioid and substance education;
5) Training for volunteers and health service providers.

Projects must coordinate with State Offices of Rural Health and utilize Cooperative Extension as a mode of outreach. Proposals may also focus on preventing opioid misuse as per Congressional guidance.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges designated as 1994 Land-grant Institutions, and organizations necessary for project conduct may be subcontracted. No match is required for funding.

Period of Performance
The grant period is set for three years, starting from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029.

Grant Value
The total anticipated funding for the program is approximately $3,000,000 with individual awards not exceeding $350,000.

Place of Performance
Projects must be implemented in Federally classified rural areas as defined by specific codes from the Economic Research Service.