What is ARISE?
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a new ARC initiative that aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multistate, collaborative projects across Appalachia. With the additional funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, ARC launched ARISE to strengthen Appalachian business and industry, and to grow and support the development of new opportunities across multiple states.

Why ARISE?
To create long-term, broad-scale economic impact in the region, it’s critical for Appalachia’s 13 states to collaborate and work together as much as possible. ARISE encourages our states to think as one united Appalachia to have a transformational impact across the region.  This means supporting initiatives that encourage ARC states to collaborate across state lines as one, united Appalachia.

What types of projects can quality for ARISE?
ARISE projects must address at least one of ARC’s five strategic investment priorities: 1.) building workforce developments, 2.) building businesses, 3.) building infrastructure, 4.) building regional culture and tourism, or 5.) building leaders and community capacity. ARISE projects must also include partnerships and collaboration across multiple states.

Who is eligible for an ARISE grant?
The following entities are eligible for an ARISE grant:

1. Local development districts (LDDs);
2. Indian tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes;
3. States, counties, cities, or other political subdivision of a state, including a special purpose unit of a state or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;
4. Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education;
5. Public or private nonprofit organizations or associations.

What is the deadline for 2022 ARISE grant applications?
Concept papers and full applications for ARISE grants will be accepted on a rolling basis, but ARC will prioritize reviewing complete applications on a quarterly basis as funds remain available.

What do I need to know before submitting an ARISE application?
Eligible entities must first work with ARC state program managers (of the impacted states that will be part of proposed project) before developing and submitting a concept paper to ARC. Doing this ensures that proposals are aligned with state Appalachian economic development plans and strategy statements. Additionally, eligible entities must first be invited by ARC to submit a full application.  Access the RFP for more details on what to include in the concept paper and how proposals will be scored.

What needs to be included in an ARISE application?
First, applicants must submit a concept paper to ARISE@arc.gov. Concept papers will be reviewed and screened – upon completion of this process, applicants will receive an invitation and instructions to submit a full application. Upon invitation, an applicant can then prepare and submit a full application per the instructions provided.

Refer to the RFP sections on Concept Paper (page 6) and Criteria for and Guidance on Planning/Implementation Grants (page 9) for more information.

How can applicants learn more?
ARC will be facilitating an ARISE pre-application workshop on September 12, 2022. You can register here and keep an eye on arc.gov/ARISE for the recording if you miss it and for details on future events. Additionally, ARC also released a new toolkit to help potential applicants understand the impacts, challenges, solutions, and critical factors involved in building, growing, and sustaining successful multistate initiatives.

For any other questions, please email us at: ARISE@arc.gov.