ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in the Region’s economic and community development through grants. In Fiscal Year 2021, Congress appropriated a record $180 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission. As part of our unique federal-state partnership, ARC’s grant application process begins at the state government level. All ARC grants align with the investment priorities outlined in our current Strategic Plan and reflect state plans and strategies.
ARC also issues specific Requests for Proposals for research and evaluation contracts on topics directly impacting economic development in the Appalachian Region.
How It Works
Every ARC investment meets one or more of our strategic investment priorities and yields measurable results. Learn about our different grant opportunities and next steps potential applicants must take.
Available Opportunities
Area Development Program
ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative
ARC’s POWER Initiative
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC)
ARISE Initiative
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a new $73.5 million initiative that aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects across Appalachia. ARC launched ARISE to strengthen Appalachian business and industry, and to grow and support the development of new opportunities across multiple states.
Grant Resources
Current and potential ARC grantees can explore our resource list for application guidelines, checklists, grant payment forms, and more.
ARC Grants Manual Training
Learn more about the ARC Grants Manual by watching this 4-part series on project management, recordkeeping, audits, and more.
State Partners
State Plans and Strategies
Appalachian States
Investments in Action
