Service Area Competition

Background
The FY 2026 Health Center Program Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to improve the health of underserved communities and populations by providing grants to support the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality primary health care services in the United States and its territories. The Health Center Program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. 254b (330 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act). This funding opportunity aligns with the President’s Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities, supporting health centers as trusted resources in their communities to prevent and manage chronic illness and disease.

Grant Details
The SAC funding will support organizations competing for Health Center Program funding to provide comprehensive primary health care services in designated service areas. Applicants must propose to serve at least 75% of the SAAT Patient Target during the assessment period. The expected total available funding for this opportunity is $385,000,000, with an expected number of awards totaling 81 grants. Funding amounts vary per award, which may be made for one or four 12-month budget periods. Award recipients must demonstrate compliance with all Health Center Program requirements, including providing required and additional services as outlined in the Health Center Program Compliance Manual.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include private nonprofit entities or public agencies in the United States or its territories, including tribal and urban Indian organizations. Applicants must propose to serve a service area listed in the Service Area Announcement Table (SAAT) and meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the NOFO. Types of eligible organizations include nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) IRS status, state and local governments, and Native American tribal governments.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for awarded grants will begin on April 1, 2026, and may last either one year (ending March 31, 2027) or four years (ending March 31, 2030), depending on the award type.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunity is $385,000,000 with individual grant awards varying based on specific proposals submitted by applicants.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in designated service areas across the United States and its territories as specified in the Service Area Announcement Table (SAAT).