The Department of State Health Services is seeking grant applications for the DSHS Federally Qualified Health Center Incubator Program

Plano, TX – According to the state officials, the program grants will help eligible non-profit and public health care providers expand their services among underserved and uninsured Texans.

Last fall, the Texas Legislature appropriated $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the program. Current federally qualified health centers, FQHC look-alikes and non-profit or public entities that provide primary care services are eligible to apply. FQHCs and look-alikes may use the funds for a variety of health care improvements, including purchasing new equipment, adding staff to increase services, and capital improvements to serve more patients. Providers that are not FQHCs can use the funds to go through the application process to qualify as FQHCs.

Existing FQHCs and look-alikes can receive up to $500,000 through the program. Non-profit organizations and governmental entities that are not FQHCs but provide primary care services and are also working to become FQHCs or FQHC look-alikes can receive a maximum award of $1 million.

Open enrollment is available until Dec. 31, 2022 or until funding for the program is exhausted. All funded activities must be completed by Aug. 31, 2023 to receive the full contracted amounts.

Eligible entities are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants must specify what activities they need funding for based on a list of available options.