Expanding Training in Underserved Communities: Understanding the Current Opportunities

Healthcare organizations looking to expand resident training opportunities in underserved communities may have a new opportunity to offset the costs associated with clinical training and program development. Two funding models are currently available to support ACGME-accredited Sponsoring Institutions and programs that have, or plan to establish, resident rotations at eligible covered facilities.

Applications for both funding opportunities are due November 30, 2026, with awards expected to be announced in February 2027. Unlike a traditional grant, funding is provided retrospectively, meaning participating organizations incur eligible costs and are subsequently reimbursed.

For GME leaders, understanding the differences between the two funding models and determining which opportunity best aligns with their current program structure will be important as the application deadline approaches.

Understanding the Two Funding Models

While both models are designed to support resident training at covered facilities, they address different stages of program development.

Model A: Supporting Resident Rotations at Covered Facilities

Model A is designed for existing programs that currently have, or plan to establish, resident rotations at a covered facility. Funding can support resident salaries and benefits associated with these training experiences.

Notably, this application cycle will provide three years of funding for the first time, creating an opportunity for programs to support these rotations over a longer period. Funding would be awarded to the ACGME-accredited Sponsoring Institution.

For existing programs, Model A may provide an opportunity to expand clinical training experiences in underserved settings while helping offset the financial resources required to support participating residents.

Model B: Supporting New Program Development

Model B provides support for newer residency programs and includes both program start-up expenses and resident salaries and benefits. To be eligible, a program should have Initial Accreditation and must not have graduated any residents.

Eligible expenses may include curriculum development, resident recruitment and retention, accreditation compliance, faculty salaries, education, evaluation, and other costs associated with establishing the program. Three Model B awards will be available during this application cycle.

Because Model B extends beyond resident salary and benefits, eligible organizations should consider how reimbursement could support both immediate program development needs and the infrastructure required for long-term sustainability.

Identifying Eligible Training Sites

Eligibility for both models focuses on resident training at designated covered facilities. ACGME-accredited Sponsoring Institutions and programs that currently have, or plan to establish, rotations at a covered facility may be eligible to apply.

Based on the information provided for this funding opportunity, covered facilities include organizations such as Indian Health Service facilities, facilities operated by Indian Tribes, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and Department of Defense facilities.

Certain communities associated with underserved VA facilities have also been identified as priorities for resident placement, particularly for primary care and mental health.

For primary care, identified priority areas include New Orleans, Louisiana; Togus, Maine; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Texas Valley Coastal Bend, Texas; and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

For mental health, identified areas include Fayetteville, North Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Puget Sound, Washington; Boise, Idaho; and Reno, Nevada.

Organizations serving these communities may want to evaluate how their existing or planned resident rotations align with the priorities of the funding opportunity.

Preparing a Strong Application

Organizations considering either model should begin by evaluating both their eligibility and their ability to clearly demonstrate how the proposed training experiences support their program's goals.

Applications will require information addressing several components, including basic program information, program goals, available infrastructure, plans for collecting data, and proposed budgets. Model B applicants will also need to address reimbursement and sustainability planning. Organizations should be prepared to demonstrate that the appropriate educational and operational infrastructure is in place to support the proposed training experiences and that there is a clear plan for implementation, evaluation, and long-term sustainability.

Model B applicants should consider how the requested funding fits within the broader development of the residency program. Because reimbursement can support areas ranging from curriculum and faculty resources to recruitment and accreditation compliance, developing an integrated plan for how those investments contribute to program sustainability is crucial.

Evaluating the Opportunity Before November 30

With applications due November 30, 2026, interested organizations should begin by determining which funding model aligns with their current stage of program development.

Existing programs may want to evaluate whether current or planned rotations at covered facilities could qualify for Model A reimbursement and how three years of support could strengthen those training experiences. Newer programs that have achieved Initial Accreditation but have not yet graduated residents should assess whether Model B could help support start-up expenses, resident training costs, and the infrastructure needed to establish a sustainable program.

Organizations should also evaluate their proposed training sites, existing relationships with covered facilities, available faculty and educational resources, anticipated resident participation, and ability to track and document reimbursable expenses.

Beginning this assessment early can help GME leaders identify potential gaps, coordinate the appropriate stakeholders, and develop a more comprehensive application before the deadline.

Turning Funding into Sustainable Training Capacity

Funding opportunities can provide valuable resources for organizations seeking to expand resident education in communities with significant healthcare needs. Their long-term value, however, depends on how effectively those resources are integrated into the organization's broader GME strategy.

For organizations pursuing Model A or Model B funding, the immediate application should be considered alongside the long-term operational and financial requirements of the training experience. Aligning funding with program goals, clinical capacity, educational infrastructure, and sustainability planning can help organizations build training opportunities that remain valuable beyond the reimbursement period.

At Germane Solutions, we help healthcare organizations evaluate GME funding opportunities and develop the operational, financial, and accreditation infrastructure needed to support sustainable residency training. Contact us to learn how our experts can help your organization assess its eligibility and prepare for the November 30 application deadline.