Health Center Program Service Area Competition (HRSA-26-007)

Research Focus & Contribution

The FY 2026 Health Center Program Service Area Competition funds comprehensive primary health care delivery to medically underserved communities and special populations across the United States and territories. This grant supports health centers in providing integrated medical, dental, mental health, substance use disorder, vision, and enabling services—all without regard to patients' ability to pay. The program aligns with chronic disease prevention and management priorities, including cancer screening, nutrition counseling, and patient support services addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and financial barriers. Health centers operate using the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model and sliding fee discount programs to ensure equitable access. Applicants may serve general medically underserved populations (community health centers) or special populations: migratory and seasonal agricultural workers (MSAW), homeless individuals (HP), or residents of public housing (RPH).

At-a-Glance

• Who can apply: Nonprofits (with/without 501(c)(3) status), state/local/tribal governments, tribal organizations, and Health Center Program look-alikes. Three applicant types: Competing Continuation (current H80 recipients), Competing Supplement (adding new sites), or New applicants.

• Funding & project length: $3,065,500 total available; 2 grants expected. Awards support 1-year or 4-year periods of performance (August 1, 2026–July 31, 2027 or 2030). Funding amounts vary by service area; applicants must serve ≥75% of announced patient target or face funding reductions.

• Award/mechanism: Health Center Program (H80) grants under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b). Funding types: Section 330(e) Community Health Center, 330(g) MSAW, 330(h) Homeless Population, 330(i) Residents of Public Housing.

• Key dates: Phase 1 (Grants.gov): March 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET. Phase 2 (EHBs): April 13, 2026, 5 p.m. ET. Expected award: August 1, 2026.

• Best fit for: Community health organizations, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), tribal health programs, and public health agencies serving rural/urban underserved populations with capacity to deliver full-scope primary care, quality improvement systems, and sliding-scale financial access.