State Officials Encourage Proposals to Strengthen Rural Healthcare in Delaware

Delaware is taking major steps to improve healthcare access in rural communities — and now local organizations have an opportunity to be part of that transformation.

State officials are currently accepting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) under the federally funded Rural Health Transformation Program, a multi-year initiative designed to expand access to care, reduce costs, and strengthen Delaware’s healthcare workforce — particularly in Kent and Sussex counties.

This marks the first round of competitive funding opportunities following Delaware’s successful federal award and signals a significant investment in the future of rural healthcare.

Four Key Funding Opportunities Now Open

The newly released RFPs focus on improving access, prevention, chronic disease management, and workforce development.

1️⃣ Delaware Medical School

Funding to support start-up costs for Delaware’s first four-year medical school.This initiative aims to strengthen the state’s long-term physician pipeline and address provider shortages that disproportionately impact rural communities.

2️⃣ School-Based Health Centers

Funding to establish new school-based health centers in rural elementary and middle schools.These centers will deliver physical, behavioral, and preventive healthcare directly to students and families — reducing barriers to care and supporting healthier learning environments.

3️⃣ Food Is Medicine Programs

Funding to create nutrition-based health interventions for rural residents.By connecting healthcare and food access, this initiative seeks to improve outcomes for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

4️⃣ Rural Community Health Hubs

Funding for mobile health units and other community-based delivery systems.These hubs will provide preventive care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, and specialty care directly within rural communities.

All RFPs are available at bids.delaware.gov, and eligible organizations are encouraged to carefully review requirements and submit proposals.

Additional RFPs are expected this spring.

Supporting Rural Growth Beyond Healthcare: EDGE 2.0 Returns

In addition to healthcare investments, the Division of Small Business has reopened the EDGE Grant Competition (EDGE 2.0) for 2026.

This program supports small businesses through competitive grant funding designed to encourage development, growth, and expansion.

Key Highlights:

• Deadline: March 6 at 4:30 p.m.

• Entrepreneur Track: Up to $400,000 available

• STEM Track: Up to $750,000 available

• Up to 18 potential awardees

• 3:1 state-to-business match required

Eligible businesses must:

• Be majority located in Delaware

• Be in operation less than 7 years

• Have 15 or fewer full-time employees

• Have under $700,000 in assets

Funds may be used for:

• Market analysis

• Equipment

• Website development

• Infrastructure improvements

• Lab space rent assistance

• Advertising and expansion support

Applications are reviewed based on business viability, job creation potential, competitive advantage, and pitch quality.

Why This Matters for Rural Delaware

Rural Kent and Sussex counties face unique challenges:

• Fewer healthcare providers per capita

• Transportation barriers

• Workforce shortages

• Higher rates of chronic disease

These new funding opportunities are designed to tackle those challenges directly — by bringing services closer to residents, strengthening prevention efforts, and investing in the next generation of medical professionals.

At the same time, programs like EDGE ensure that small businesses — which are the backbone of rural communities — continue to grow and create local jobs.

A Call to Action

If your organization works in healthcare, education, nutrition, workforce development, or community outreach — now is the time to explore these opportunities.

If you are a small business owner considering expansion — EDGE 2.0 may provide the boost you need.

Stronger rural healthcare and economic growth go hand in hand. With these funding opportunities now open, Delaware is positioning rural communities not just to keep up — but to move forward.

For more information:

• Healthcare RFPs: bids.delaware.gov

• EDGE Applications: Division of Small Business Application Portal

The future of rural Delaware depends on partnerships, innovation, and action. Now is the time to step up.