CRH Releases Updated Grant Writing Toolkit

May 28, 2026

The Center for Rural Health (CRH) recently updated its Grant Writing Toolkit, providing rural communities and facilities with the information, resources, and materials they need to write and submit a grant proposal. The toolkit is developed through the North Dakota State Office of Rural Health (SORH).

About the Toolkit

The Grant Writing Toolkit is designed to help Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, public health departments, and other rural organizations write and apply for federal rural health grants. The toolkit has sections on grant writing tips, steps for applying for federal funds, sustainability, and resources that CRH can provide during the grant writing process, among others.

Nicole Threadgold, program director for North Dakota SORH, shares the importance of the toolkit.

"A primary focus of the Center for Rural Health is helping rural communities, health organizations, and other rural groups to enhance their ability and capacity," she said. "The Grant Writing Toolkit was developed to guide these organizations through the complex world of grants and hopefully help them acquire funding to bring new programs and opportunities to their communities."

Who Can Use It?

The toolkit is free and open to the public or any organization looking to apply for a rural grant. Eligible applicants for federal grants can include government organizations, education organizations, public housing organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses, although eligibility varies with each grant.

"Access to funding opportunities can be transformational for rural communities, but navigating the grant writing process can be a challenge," said Jacob Warren, director of CRH. "Our Grant Writing Toolkit provides a user-friendly guide to help identify funding opportunities, build strong proposals, and compete more effectively for grants that support local health and community priorities. By making these resources more accessible, we are aiding rural communities in securing sustainable funding and improving the health and well-being of the people they serve."

CRH also offers a Communication Toolkit, aimed at supporting healthcare organizations in communicating with target audiences, working with the media, and using tools to share information with the public. The Communication Toolkit is developed through the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Grant Program.