Letters of intent are due May 12, 2026, for funding through ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, which seeks to help Appalachians in recovery enter and reenter the workforce.
Washington, D.C., April 21, 2026—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative. INSPIRE supports projects that create or expand recovery ecosystems that help individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) enter or reenter the workforce.
Since April 2021, ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative has invested $65.7 million in 200 projects that have impacted 380 counties across all 13 Appalachian states. These investments have secured an additional $48.1 million in matching project funds and are projected to improve nearly 4,000 businesses and help prepare over 18,100 individuals for new job opportunities.
“At ARC, we know substance use disorder is a community issue that demands a community solution,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “By creating support systems for Appalachians in recovery, INSPIRE grantees facilitate partnerships across the recovery ecosystem that provide workforce training opportunities, which not only support them obtaining jobs and careers, but also provide hope and a sense of purpose to their lives. Together this strengthens and grows the workforce across our region.”
Successful INSPIRE projects focus on the creation and expansion of services in the recovery-to-work ecosystem, including skills and workforce training programs, mentoring, peer support, and other wraparound services tailored to individuals in recovery. INSPIRE projects can also build partnerships and coordination among recovery services and providers, establish or expand recovery-ready workplace models, as well as integrate local economic development plans with existing state and regional recovery-to-work activities.
“Mississippi and the Appalachian Region are strongest when every citizen has the opportunity to contribute and succeed,” said ARC 2026 States’ Co-Chair, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “Through ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, we are building partnerships to connect individuals with the skills, training and support they need to secure employment. By strengthening workforce development ecosystems, we are expanding our workforce to drive economic development across our communities.”
Key dates for the fiscal year 2026 INSPIRE application process include:
- April 23, 2026: Pre-application webinar recording at arc.gov/sud
- April 29, 2026: NOSA Q&A session – Register now!
- By May 5, 2026: Register for Pathways, ARC’s grant management system, to ensure access to the application portal
- May 12, 2026: Required letters of intent (LOI) due
- June 15, 2026: Grant applications due
- Fall 2026: Awards announced
Learn more about ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, the 2026 NOSA and how to apply.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to invest and partner to strengthen economic development in Appalachia to help the region reach its full economic potential.