Grants and Opportunities

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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Funding Opportunities

ARC’s Area Development program empowers Appalachian communities to work with their state governments to design impactful projects that will strengthen infrastructure, businesses, the workforce, and more.

Through ARISE, ARC aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects across Appalachia.

ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative addresses the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis in Appalachia by creating or expanding recovery ecosystems that will lead to workforce entry or re-entry.

ARC’s POWER Initiative targets federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

Federal Partnership

Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities

Through WORC, ARC partners with the U.S. Department of Labor to provide training and support activities to dislocated workers, new workforce entrants, incumbent workers, and individuals affected by substance use disorder.

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Capacity Building Opportunities

ARC hosts academies and institutes in STEM and entrepreneurship education, applied research, and community leadership. Through these opportunities, participants build networks, skills, and an enduring commitment to Appalachia’s future.

Students studying at university library with books open

READY Appalachia is ARC’s capacity-building initiative offering flexible funding to community and economic development organizations, and free training to the Appalachians that work for them.

Additional Opportunities

ARC’s Access to Capital Program is firmly rooted in a long-standing commitment to building Appalachian businesses and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Under certain conditions, ARC will consider recommending a waiver of the foreign residence requirement on behalf of physicians holding J-1 Visas in Health Professional Shortage Areas.

ARC’s Access Road Program provides financing to link communities, businesses, and residents to the Appalachian Development Highway System and other key parts of the Region’s transportation network.

Contract Opportunities

Throughout the year, ARC issues Requests for Proposals seeking contractors to support research, evaluation, capacity-building initiatives and more.

Read the RFPs

Grant Resources

Applicants and current ARC grantees can explore our resource list for application checklists, project guidelines, payment and reporting forms, and more.

Applicant Resources

Please use these resources if you’re applying for an ARC grant award.

Grantee Resources

Please use these resources if you have received an ARC grant award.