Appalachia’s regional economic growth relies on local ability to prioritize challenges and implement solutions. However, capacity is often lacking at the individual, organizational, or community levels to do so.
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 region.
Any organization that is eligible to apply for an ARC grant can apply for READY Grants to Grow, though certain requirements apply. Interested applicants can register for this pre-application webinar on Thursday, October 10 and learn more below.
Grow Capacity to Create Change
Applicants must propose projects that strengthen underserved communities and economies in Appalachia, and/or demonstrate low capacity themselves.
- Individual capacity, including staff training or professional development;
- Organizational capacity, including internal strategic planning or expanding services; and/or
- Community capacity, including launching a community-led planning process or hiring a planning contractor.
Key Application Dates
Interested applicants for READY Grants to Grow should:
- Attend the pre-application webinar on October 10, 2024 to learn more about the opportunity and application process.
- Submit a letter of intent to apply by November 1, 2024, which is required to access the application portal.
- Submit an application by February 14, 2025.
Helping All Communities Build Capacity
Organizations serving any of the following groups in Appalachian Region are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities priority communities
- Rural Partners Network Community Networks communities
- Historically underserved and marginalized populations
READY Grants to Grow applicants must draw a clear connection between their proposal, their community’s broader economic development and improved services to the groups above.
Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact ready@arc.gov.