RHTP Initiative 6.2 Assisted Living Modernization Grant Program
Introduction
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2026
MAXIMUM AWARD PER FACILITY: $500,000
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE: $1,000,000
Description
This Nebraska Health Care Foundation/Nebraska Health Care Association initiative is funded through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program via the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The program is designed to support modernization efforts in eligible rural assisted living facilities to enhance their capacity to provide care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The objective is to increase the number of assisted living facilities statewide that are equipped to provide complex dementia care through targeted investments in safety, environment, and therapeutic enhancements.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a Nebraska-licensed assisted living facility
Currently participate in Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver program(s)
Be located outside of Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties
Currently provide care for individuals with Alzheimer’s/dementia or demonstrate intent to provide such care upon project completion
Be able to complete project by October 1, 2026
Be able to pay for cost of project in advance
Be able to provide the following to NHCF prior to receiving funds from NHCF:
Proof of competitive pricing (bids) for project
Proof of the facility’s payment to the project vendor(s)
Itemized invoice to NHCF, with supporting documentation
Proof of completed work (e.g., photo or video of completed project)
Be willing to comply with regular reporting requirements
Be willing to provide requested documentation in the event of an audit
Selection Process
Allowable Use of Funds
Wander management systems
Fall detection systems
Nurse call system upgrades or modifications
Anti-glare flooring
Specialized lighting
Visual cueing and wayfinding systems
Sensory rooms and equipment
Dementia-specific furniture
Patient engagement technology
Secured wander gardens
Safe-access pathways and landscaping
Unallowable Uses of Funds
Real estate purchases or new building construction
Major construction or large-scale remodeling
Routine operating expenses or existing budget items
Resident room/board or medical supplies
Standard maintenance or general facility upkeep
Marketing, advertising, or promotional campaigns
Non-programmatic furniture or equipment
Costs that are unreasonable, unnecessary, or above market rate without justification
Application and Award Process
NHCF will redact applicants’ identifying information prior to submission to the review committee. The review committee will be comprised of experts in the fields of memory care, regulatory compliance, and facility operations, who will not be eligible to apply. Applications will be scored according to a predetermined scoring system.
Application Launch: June 1, 2026
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Award Notifications: July 24, 2026
Reimbursement to awardees: After NHCF is in receipt of funds from DHHS, which is anticipated to be before October 30, 2026.