Appalachian Regional Commission Partnership Projects

Appalachian Regional Commission Partnership Projects is a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission that funds economic development, workforce, infrastructure, and community revitalization initiatives throughout the 13-state Appalachian Region. ARC programs include Area Development, ARISE (multi-state collaborative economic transformation), INSPIRE (substance use disorder recovery ecosystems), and POWER (coal community transition).

Eligible applicants include state and local governments and nonprofit organizations operating within the Appalachian Region. Awards typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. Projects must align with ARC strategic investment priorities and demonstrate measurable economic development outcomes.

Grants and Opportunities - Appalachian Regional Commission 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. ARC grant applicants and recipients conduct activities in Pathways, ARC’s grant management system.

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