February 6, 2026

SHIP Grant

New invoicing process:

With changes to UW Madison's administrative system and our own SHIP simplification efforts, hospitals can now send SHIP invoices for HCAHPS and other pre-approved expenses* directly to the UW's Research and Sponsored Programs team for reimbursement using the invoice template below.

SHIP 2026-27 information on website:

• Informational Webinar Recording.
• Investment options.
• Eligibility and reporting requirements.

*SHIP Expenses Reminder

Hospitals that selected the direct funding option must use their funds for purchasing HCAHPS first. Any leftover funding can be used for other pre-approved expenses discussed with Samantha Peck.

Learn

NEW! WHA and Superior Health Quality Alliance 13SOW - webinar

Thursday, February 12, from 12 - 12:30 p.m.

• As the CMS Quality Innovation Network–Quality Improvement Organization (QIN‑QIO) for the Great Lakes Region, Superior Health offers no‑cost technical assistance to eligible providers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
• Areas of support include chronic disease management, behavioral health integration, patient safety, care coordination and overall health care quality—fully aligned with CMS national priorities. 

NEW! Job Opening: AHEC Center Director

• Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (NEWAHEC) is searching for its next AHEC Center Director — a visionary leader passionate about strengthening community health, developing partnerships, and supporting the next generation of health professionals.

$ Health Profession Scholarships & Loan Assistance Programs - webinar

• Discover scholarships and loan assistance programs that can help your career as a current or future health professional.
• Learn about: National Health Service Corps, Health Professions Loan Assistance Program, Rural Provider Loan Assistance Program
• Choose from these free webinar offerings: February 18 or March 20.

$ The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

• For nurses actively working in critical shortage facilities or teaching as nurse faculty at an accredited school of nursing, this program is an opportunity to reduce your nursing school debt.
• Application deadline: March 12.

American Hospital Association Next Generation Leaders Fellowship

• A fellowship program designed to empower healthcare leaders to bring about lasting change in the hospital and health systems in which they serve. Rural applicants are encouraged.
• Application deadline: March 31.

Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator - American Heart Association

• Access to no-cost rural quality programming through June 2028.
• Measure compliance of evidence-based guidelines, benchmark with peers, and improve on quality of patient care, while simultaneously bringing up-to-date information to inform healthcare guidelines.

Farmers' Mental Health: Supporting and Understanding Farm Culture and Farm Family Dynamics

• A self-paced, online training course designed to help behavioral health providers better understand and address the mental health needs and challenges of farmers and their family members.
• Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
• Sponsor: University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, Behavioral Health Training Partnership, Wisconsin Farm Center.

Rural Emergency Communications Operational Rapid Assistance Package

• Technical assistance program for rural communities to enhance existing emergency communications infrastructure to improve the delivery of rural emergency services.

Grants

Drug-Free Communities Support Program - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Amount: $125,000 x 5 years.
• Application due date: February 12.
• Who can apply: A broad array of public, private, and not for profit organizations in a coalition that has worked together on substance abuse issues for at least six months. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
• Description: Funding to support community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth ages 18 and younger. Requires a 1:1 match from non-federal sources.

Emergent Innovation Program - Hillman Foundation

• Amount: $50,000.
• Application due date: February 20 (Letters of Intent).
• Who can apply: 501(c)3 and faith-based organizations and government entities.
• Description: Grants will be awarded to accelerate the development of nursing-driven interventions that improve the health and healthcare of marginalized populations.

NEW! Community Health Impact Grants - American Medical Association

• Amount: $50,000.
• Application due date: March 1.
• Who can apply: Actively licensed physicians should apply through their employer.
• Description: Grants for physician-led projects designed to improve health outcomes at the community level. The program funds innovative, community-centered projects that address a broad range of health-related challenges faced by populations with limited access to care. 

Open Call Grant - Clif Family Foundation

• Amount: Up to $50,000.
• Application due date: March 1 and August 1.
• Who can apply: Registered 501(c)3 organizations with operating budgets under $8 million.
• Description: Grants will be awarded for projects that align with the Foundation’s values to transform food systems, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. Priorities include healthy food and inclusive outdoor access. 

NEW! Healthcare Connect Fund - Federal Communications Commission

• Amount: 65% discount on eligible advanced telecommunications and information services and equipment.
• Application due date: April 1.
• Who can apply: A public or nonprofit health care entity located in a rural area.
• Description: Eligible products and services include broadband services, network equipment, network security, and provider-constructed and owned network facilities.

NEW! Oral Health Grants - CareQuest

• Amount: They are “flexible in relation to minimums and maximums." 
• Applications accepted throughout the year.
• Who can apply: 501(c)3 tax exempt organizations, government agencies, and tax exempt educational/research institutions.
• Description: Funding for projects that promote access to oral health care by modifying the structure and delivery of dental care. Initiatives may include access to preventive services, integrating oral health into medical systems, or addressing disparities in access to care. Priority populations include rural communities.

Please contact Kevin Jacobson, WORH Loan Assistance Program Manager, for help identifying grant opportunities to support your important work or go to the WORH website.

Pictured: Skiers in the American Birkebeiner going from Cable to Hayward photographed by Jasmine Wiley. This year's Birkie is coming up on February 18th!

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