Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.
A Region of Great Opportunity
ARC invests in Appalachia’s economic future by providing grants, publishing research, and sponsoring learning experiences – all to help the Region’s communities seize their opportunities, address economic disparity and advance prosperity.
Research and Resources
Extending Appalachia’s Welcome Through Tourism
Extending Our Welcome: Trends and Strategies for Tourism in Appalachia is a new ARC report produced in partnership with University of Tennessee Knoxville and Collective Impact. The report looks at the history of tourism in Appalachia and makes recommendations for communities looking to employ it as an economic strategy.
Helping Nonprofits Navigate COVID-19
ARC’s Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center is now offering expertly curated resources on financial management, sustainable operations, fundraising, and other tools free of charge. The resource directory is primarily responsive to the specific needs of Appalachian nonprofits during the COVID crisis and will be continually updated throughout 2021.
Available Opportunities
Area Development Program
ARC’s POWER Initiative
In The Region
This Week
In Jefferson County, Alabama and the Greater Birmingham area, a high retirement rate among line workers created tremendous need for the next generation of workers. Jefferson State Community College recognized this opportunity and used $250,000 in ARC support to establish a Line Worker Training Program last year. This month, they graduated their inaugural class of 10 trainees.
COVID-19 in Appalachia
As COVID-19 continues to impact the nation, ARC is carefully monitoring its effects in Appalachia. ARC’s goal during this crisis is to be a resource hub for the Region. Explore our maps, data, and webinars collected from the federal government, the 13 Appalachian state governments, and our partners.