Grants

Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Health Resources and Services Administration
Award Range
up to $250,000
Deadline
Closed 2026-08-06
Time Remaining
This cycle closed on 2026-08-06. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
CFDA Number
93.912
Bottom line: The Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program provides up to $250,000 in funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration. The purpose of the Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program is to strengthen the quality improvement culture in small rural healthcare facilities by building capacity to effectively collect and use clinical data while implementing evidence-based approaches to improve health care quality with a particular focus on improving chronic disease outcomes. Additionally, the program strengthens the skills and collaboration of the billing and coding staff in coordination with the front-line clinical staff.

The Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Details from the notice: Eligible applicants must be a rural domestic public or nonprofit private health care provider or provider of health care services, such as a critical access hospital, a rural health clinic; or be another rural provider or network of small rural providers identified by the Secretary as a key source of local or regional care; and not previously have received an award under this subsection for the same or similar project. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Special district governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; other applicants described in the notice; State governments; County governments.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Health programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
  2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
  3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
  4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
  5. Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit once the next cycle opens. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program
Funding Agency Health Resources and Services Administration
CFDA Number 93.912
Award Minimum Not published
Award Maximum $250,000
Deadline Closed 2026-08-06
Category Health
Matching Required No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program
Application Link Apply on Grants.gov

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Health grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program?

Details from the notice: Eligible applicants must be a rural domestic public or nonprofit private health care provider or provider of health care services, such as a critical access hospital, a rural health clinic; or be another rural provider or network of small rural providers identified by the Secretary as a key source of local or regional care; and not previously have received an award under this subsection for the same or similar project. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Special district governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; other applicants described in the notice; State governments; County governments. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.

What is the deadline for Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program?

The current deadline is closed on 2026-08-06; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.

Does Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program require matching funds?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.