Applications are due July 31 for READY Local Governments, which offers training to help local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement economic development projects.
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2026 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for READY Local Governments, which offers training and funding access to help local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement federally funded economic development projects to maximize positive outcomes for communities.
During the virtual, nine-week training program, participants will build skills alongside a cohort of other Appalachian local government leaders. Training topics include:
- Federal Grant Funding Opportunities and Readiness
- Federal Grant Project Identification, Application Development and Submission Strategy
- Federal Grant Regulations, Administration and Compliance
- Federal Grant Financial and Risk Management
- Leveraging Federal Grants for Long-Term Success
“ARC’s partnerships with our region’s local governments have always been integral to our-on-the-ground economic development work across Appalachia,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “ARC remains committed to these partnerships through our READY Local Governments initiative, which provides support, resources and training to these local governments to enhance the resilience and economic vitality of not only their own communities, but our entire 13 state region.”
Following successful completion of the training program, participants will be eligible to apply for up to $50,000 in funding (no-match required) to enhance organizational ability to better meet their communities’ economic needs.
“Communities that are prepared are communities that can compete,” said ARC 2026 States’ Co-Chair, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “READY Local Governments will help local leaders strengthen their ability to leverage funding opportunities to invest in critical projects. These investments will create conditions for long-term economic growth that is essential for rural communities across Appalachia.”
Any borough, city, county, municipality, parish, town, township or federally recognized Indian tribe located in the Appalachian Region, and who has not previously participated in READY Local Governments, is eligible to apply. Municipalities serving economically distressed counties are strongly encouraged to participate.
Applications are due July 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Training program capacity is limited to 60 organizations, with two local government officials and/or staff members participating per organization (120 total participants). To learn how to apply, register to attend this pre-application webinar on July 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Application information is available at www.arc.gov/ready/localgovs/.
Non-eligible entities that are interested in building skills can access curriculum documents from previous training programs for nonprofits and community foundations.
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.