Grants and Contracts

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.

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Available Opportunities

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Area Development Program

ARC’s Area Development program relies on a flexible “bottom up” approach to economic development, empowering Appalachian communities to work with their state governments to design impactful investment opportunities supporting our…
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ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative

The INvestments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative is a $10 million initiative addressing the substance abuse crisis by creating or expanding a recovery ecosystem that will lead…
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ARC’s POWER Initiative

The POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal…
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Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC)

The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides enhanced training and support activities to dislocated workers, new entrants…

Grant Resources

Current and potential ARC grantees can explore our resource list for application guidelines, checklists, grant payment forms, and more.

Applicant Resources
Please use the resources that are specific to the pre-award funding stage.
Grantee Resources
Please use the resources that are specific to the post-award funding stage.
View All Grant Resources

ARC Grants Manual Training

Learn more about the ARC Grants Manual by watching this 4-part series on project management, recordkeeping, audits, and more.

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State Partners

The first step in applying for an ARC grant is to contact your state program manager.

State Plans and Strategies

State Development Plans and Annual Strategy Statements guide ARC investments in the 13 Appalachian states.

Appalachian States

Learn more about ARC’s investments, research, data, contact information, and more for each of Appalachia’s 13 states.

Investments in Action

Community Colleges of Appalachia and Workforce Development

For member colleges, CCA provides programs and services responsive to the unique cultural, geographic, and economic challenge in the Appalachian Region, including their annual Workforce Development Institute.
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Related Content

ARC’s Investment Priorities for Appalachia

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Match Requirements for ARC Grants

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