Illinois Rural Health Initiative—ROOTS: Rural Outreach, Opportunity, Training, and Success
Illinois RHT: ROOTS
CSFA Number: 684-00-4098
STATE AGENCY INFORMATION
Agency Name
Illinois Community College Board (684)
Agency Contact
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Short Description
The purpose of this funding is to expand and enhance healthcare support worker training programs at rural community colleges, with a particular focus on maternal care and substance abuse. More specifically, funding will support: Expansion of high-need healthcare programs, increased instructional and clinical capacity, enhanced student supports, Workforce and secondary partnerships, Innovative delivery models that address rural barriers.
Federal Authorization
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21). Funding available through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Illinois Statue Authorization
110 ILCS 805/2-12
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
110 ILCS 805/2-12
Objective
All programs developed or supported through this initiative should be part of a career pathway that allows participants to obtain an industry-recognized credential and/or a community college certificate in the shortest possible amount of time while maintaining quality instruction and enhancing the participant’s eligibility for employment in the healthcare sector. Colleges will focus on expanding and creating healthcare support worker training programs, with an emphasis on maternal care and substance abuse. Colleges will be able to support several healthcare programs, with certain programs identified as priority.
UGA Program Terms
Programs must address the following areas 1. building regional and institutional capacity, 2. program development and expansion, 3. development of a wraparound student support model. Recipients will also be required to participate in statewide collaborative efforts.
Eligible Applicants
Education Organizations; Government Organizations;
Applicant Eligibility
Community colleges meeting the “rural” classification is defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) using the following criteria: non-metropolitan counties; outlying metropolitan counties with no population from an urban area of 50,000 or more people; census tracts with Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes 4-10 in metropolitan counties; census tracts of at least 400 square miles in areas with a population density of 35 or fewer per square mile with RUCA codes 2-3 in metropolitan counties; census tracts with Research Report Series (RRS) 5 and RUCA codes 2-3 that are at least 20 square miles in area in metropolitan counties.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Healthcare workers in targeted careers and the rural communities that these workers serve.
Types of Assistance
Formula Grants
Subject / Service Area
Healthcare
Credentials / Documentation
Complete application package inclusive of an application narrative that follows the Notice of Funding Opportunity as well as a complete and accurate budget document.
Preapplication Coordination
Grantee must complete GATA pre-award requirements.
Application Procedures
Application must be completed and submitted via Euna, the statewide grant management system. All applications will be reviewed by ICCB staff for completeness and accuracy.
Criteria Selecting Proposals
These funds are non-competitive and will be awarded on a predetermined formula-basis.
Award Procedures
Awards will be determined based on complete applications meeting program objectives. Reimbursements based on requests for reimbursement submitted via Euna.
Deadlines
Deadlines will be stipulated in the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), which will be posted on the CSFA and ICCB's grant opportunities web page.
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
Estimated 20 to 45 days.
Appeals
Appeals Pursuant to IL Admin Code
Renewals
Per US DHHS, RHT Program funding is $50 billion to be allocated to approved States over five fiscal years, with $10 billion of funding available nationwide each fiscal year, beginning in federal fiscal year 2026 and ending in federal fiscal year 2030.
Uses and Restrictions
These federal funds must be used as stipulated in the NOFO and in accordance with guidance received by federal CMS and or Illinois HFS. All 2 CFR 200 (UG) regulations apply.
Reports
Quarterly reporting will be required. Additionally, any other required reports as deemed necessary by the ICCB, Illinois HFS, and/or federal CMS.
Audits
Title 44 Illinois Administrative Code 7000.90
Records
Compliance with GATA and UG record retention requirements.
Account Identification
TBD
Obligations
FY27: $7,400,000
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Base $100,000 award plus formulaic amounts based on college throughput in selected healthcare programs.
Program Accomplishments
The program will increase access to healthcare in the targeted, rural areas.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
2 CFR 200 and GATA regulations.
Regional or Local Assistance Location
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
401 E. Capitol Street, Springfield IL
Program Website
https://www.iccb.org/divisions/career-and-tech-education/healthcare/
Example Projects
PATH had provided funding to community colleges to help students earn credentials and degrees in nursing and other healthcare fields through SFY26.
FUNDING INFORMATION
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2027 : $7,400,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
ACTIVE AWARDS