Appalachian Region Infrastructure and Economic Development Grants

Appalachian Region Infrastructure and Economic Development Grants is a grant program from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) that funds infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives across the 423-county Appalachian region spanning 13 states. Eligible activities include transportation, broadband, water and wastewater systems, workforce development, and community infrastructure projects.

State and local governments and nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian region are eligible to apply. Award amounts vary based on project scope and need. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through April 30, 2027.

ARC prioritizes projects addressing persistent economic distress and improving connectivity in historically underserved communities.

Grants and Opportunities - Appalachian Regional Commission 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. Every ARC investment meets one or more of our strategic investment priorities and yields measurable results. Learn all about applying for and managing ARC funding.

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 projects that help coal communities expand local and regional economies. 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.

Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative This funding opportunity supports the development and implementation of a regional energy hub. Access to Capital Projects ARC’s Access to Capital projects are firmly rooted in a long-standing commitment to building Appalachian businesses and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Accessible, affordable broadband is fundamental for long-term economic growth and stability.

ARC’s broadband projects address unmet connectivity needs to help Appalachian communities thrive. Local Access Road Projects ARC’s Local Access Road projects link communities, businesses and residents to the Appalachian Development Highway System and other key parts of the region’s transportation network.

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.

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. Throughout the year, ARC issues requests for proposals seeking contractors to support research, evaluation, capacity building initiatives and more. ARC is committed to helping Appalachians access quality, affordable healthcare.

Accordingly, 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 to address the region’s healthcare needs. Applicants and current ARC grantees can explore our resource list for application checklists, project guidelines, payment and reporting forms and more.

Please use these resources if you’re applying for an ARC grant award. Please use these resources if you have received an ARC grant award. 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. Learn more about ARC’s investments, research, data, contact information and more for each of Appalachia’s 13 states. ARC’s Investment Priorities for Appalachia Match Requirements for ARC Grants