Grants and Opportunities

ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in Appalachia’s economic and community development through grants. 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

Area Development Program

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.

Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies

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

Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems Initiative

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.

Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative

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.
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READY Grants to Grow

READY Grants to Grow is a $9 million funding opportunity that will award grants of up to $500,000 to organizations seeking to build individual, organizational and/or community capacity across the…
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Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities

Through WORC, ARC partners with the U.S. Department of Labor to provide training and support to dislocated, new and incumbent workers in rural areas.

Capacity Building Opportunities

Academies and Institutes

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.
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READY Appalachia

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.
Share Your Insights

Capacity Survey for Appalachian Organizations

As ARC plans future capacity building opportunities, we need guidance from Appalachian organizations on what’s needed most. Please take this short survey to help us identify the most pressing needs for as many Appalachian organizations as possible!

Take the Survey

Additional Opportunities

Access to Capital Program

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

Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative

Appalachia is well positioned to strengthen regional economies by investing in its energy resilience.
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J-1 Visa Waivers

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.

Local Access Road Program

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.
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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.

ARC Grants Manual Training

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

Learn More

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.

Related Content

ARC’s Investment Priorities for Appalachia

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Match Requirements for ARC Grants

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