Take your best shot: avoid these 10 missteps for the best chance at grant success
2025 USDA Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) Program Grant due March 6
The countdown is on — there's less than one month to apply for the 2025 USDA Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) grant. Each year, I talk with rural providers across the US about how to boost their chances of success in securing a federal grant. My advice? If you want your organization's application to rise to the top, make sure to avoid these 10 common application pitfalls.
Don’t:
1. Wait until the last minute: The deadline for the 2025 DLT grant is March 6. Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed and incomplete applications. Start now to ensure you have enough time to gather all necessary information and documents and create a well-thought-out submission.
Missed our webinar on everything you need to know about applying for the USDA DLT grant? Watch the replay here.
2. Skip the free USDA webinars: The USDA hosts webinars to help applicants. Find out when the next webinar will be, and register here. Don’t miss your chance to gain insights and tips directly from the program administrators.
3. Ignore Eligibility Requirements: Make sure you are a legally organized entity in the US or a consortium that provides services to rural areas. The USDA defines “rural communities” as those with fewer than 20,000 residents. Your submission risks disqualification if your organization doesn’t meet basic eligibility criteria like this.
4. Request Funds for Ineligible Uses: Know how grant funds may be used. Eligible uses for the DLT grant include carts, TV kits, software, interactive audio/video equipment, and technical assistance and training. Don’t have your submission thrown out because you’re requesting funds for unqualified items.
Not sure which eligible items make the most sense for your organization to request? Reach out to our grants team for guidance!
5. Overlook the Match Requirement: The DLT grant requires your organization to provide at least a 15% match of the federal budget request. Ensure you have the necessary funds or commitments to meet this requirement – before applying.
6. Fail to Demonstrate Need: Securing grant funding is competitive. Your submission should clearly articulate why your organization needs the requested funds. Explain how the funds will enable and improve telehealth services in your rural area in your application’s “Need for Services and Project Benefits” section.
7. Forget to Communicate with Partners: Do you have partners for your submission or project? Be sure everyone is aware of and supportive of the project. If you fail to get partner buy-in up front, getting your funded project implemented can be difficult.
8. Disregard Maintenance and Sustainability: Maximize your project’s sustainability, long-term. The DLT grant allows for up to three years of maintenance contracts, site licenses, and extended warranty contracts. Include these in your application budget to support your project’s momentum.
9. Forget to Proofread: Spelling and grammatical errors can make your application look unprofessional. Take the time to proofread your application or have someone else review it before submission.
10. Submit Incomplete Applications: Double-check that all sections of your application are complete and all required documents are included. Applications that are only partially complete can be rejected without review.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, your application will rise to the top and you'll improve your odds at securing the USDA DLT program grant. Give it your best shot, and if you need help, don’t wait! Contact me and the Grants and Public Funding team for support.