NCA Engage: 2026 Rural CAC Capacity Award Toolkit

RFP TOOLKIT

Welcome to the Request for Proposal (RFP) Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to guide you through the process of developing and submitting a strong, competitive proposal in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to refine your approach, this resource provides the essential tools, templates, and guidance needed to navigate each stage of the application process with confidence.

Inside, you will find step-by-step instructions, helpful checklists, and sample documents tailored to the specific requirements of this funding opportunity. From understanding the RFP and aligning your project goals, to preparing your budget and submitting your final application, this toolkit is here to support you every step of the way. Use this toolkit as your go-to resource to stay organized, meet deadlines, and put your best proposal forward.

Let’s get started!

Rural CAC Capacity Building and Expansion

Maximum Award Amount: $75,000

Goal: To strengthen and sustain CACs serving rural communities by addressing their unique operational challenges and supporting solutions to service delivery barriers.

This grant category is open to CAC programs located in rural areas, as defined by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) or eligible to apply for Rural Health Clinics (RHC) programs.

Focus Areas

Projects must address one or more of the following priority areas identified in the 2025 Rural CAC Needs Assessment:

Focus 1: Establish an NCA Satellite member center (only Accredited CACs)
Focus 2: Expanding geographic reach through the development of mobile and teleservices
Focus 3: Increase service capacity to meet the demonstrated need
Focus 4: MDT Enhancement and Coordination
Focus 5: Organizational Capacity Building

Am I Rural?

All Rural Capacity applications MUST include the Am I Rural? - Report for their location which demonstrates their eligibility to apply.

Demonstrated Service Area Need

All Rural Capacity applicants MUST describe their rural service area need, the current CAC response in their community and explain how existing limitations impact the CAC’s ability to provide services. Applicants must include current service provision, availability and accessibility and anticipated caseload when delivering these services. Applicants must also provide data demonstrating the specific needs being addressed and document current barriers to service delivery or organizational capacity. Additionally, applicants must also describe how the submitted documentation demonstrates need when responding to this section of the application.

Supporting documentation required may include service area maps and population data, current service statistics and unmet needs data.

Rural Capacity Focus 1

Applications submitted under Rural Capacity Focus 1 to open a Satellite center MUST include submission of first-time Satellite Membership Application to NCA within the award period/targeted opening date for center and provide information about designated staff needed to coordinate the response and provision of services at the center. Applicants must also provide signed and dated letters of support or memoranda of understanding for all key partners. Additional details regarding the requirements for letters of support can be found in the Application and Submission Information section of the NSP RFP.

Grant Application Template

To ensure easy access to essential application materials, we’ve provided a downloadable grant application template HERE. This template allows applicants to prepare their submissions even if our online systems are temporarily unavailable.