Appalachian nonprofits are mission-driven organizations committed to meeting pressing community needs. However, these organizations often lack the capacity and resources to put ideas into action.
Through READY Nonprofits, ARC provides no-cost training to help participants strengthen operations, programming and fundraising to better fulfill their missions and sustain their organizations over time, so they can continue building out resources and strengthening economies.
After successful completion of their training, participants can apply for up to $25,000 in funding (no match required) to implement internal capacity building projects.
ARC has awarded 69 Appalachian nonprofits spanning 12 states a total of over $1.7 million to date.
ARC Selects 75 Nonprofits for Training Program
In June 2025, ARC selected 75 Appalachian nonprofit organizations to take part in a no-cost, seven week training program to build internal capacity and strengthen services that help Appalachian economies thrive.
Build a Strong Foundation
READY Nonprofits participants will build connections through a cohort-based learning structure, and develop skills to build capacity in areas including:
- Fundraising
- Programs and Operations
- Financial Management
- Board Development
- Human Capital (Human Resources)
- Marketing and Communications
- Grant Writing and Management
- Strategic Planning
Increasing Access to Opportunities
Public or private nonprofit organizations or associations, including labor unions, serving communities in ARC’s geographic footprint are eligible for READY Nonprofits.
Nonprofit organizations who meet any of the following criteria are strongly encouraged to participate:
- Serve economically distressed counties
- Lower-capacity nonprofit organizations
- Organizations located in remote areas of the region
- Organizations ARC has not worked with before
Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact ready@arc.gov.