Grants Supporting Rural Appalachian Ohio Community Development Program

Grants Supporting Rural Appalachian Ohio Community Development Program is sponsored by Various (through The Grant Portal). These grant opportunities support community-driven projects across rural regions of southeastern and Appalachian areas of Ohio. Funding is designed to support various community development initiatives.

House Bill 377, signed by Governor DeWine in 2022, directed $500 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to Ohio’s Appalachian region—putting local priorities at the center of revitalization efforts. This program is supporting communities across Ohio’s 32 Appalachia Counties. The program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Appalachia within the Ohio Department of Development.

The First Round of the Appalachian Community Grant Program awarded $50 million to launch four major development projects across more than a dozen counties in Appalachian Ohio. These shovel-ready efforts included new workforce training hubs, mental health and recovery services, downtown revitalization, and expanded outdoor recreation and tourism.

Most of these projects are now completed or nearing completion, with communities already seeing the impact— new job training opportunities, expanded support for families, and reinvestment in historic buildings and public spaces. The first round laid the groundwork for what’s now becoming a wave of progress across the region.

The Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, led by Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Appalachian Children’s Coalition, is transforming access to healthcare for students and communities across the Appalachian region.

The $64 million initiative, awarded in March 2024, is building and expanding community- and school-based health clinics, launching healthcare-focused workforce development programs, and improving access to vital health services across the region. The funding will support 28 projects, which are expected to impact 61,000 students and 375,000 residents across 20 Appalachian counties.

Partners include 34 school districts, a career technical school, an educational service center, and 16 healthcare partners. The expanded services will include comprehensive primary care, dental, vision, and mental health services for children, families, and communities.

## Downtowns and Destinations Communities across Appalachia are transforming their main streets and community hubs through the Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative. With an investment of $154 million across 12 counties, communities are focused on revitalizing their historic downtown districts, creating new recreation opportunities, and enhancing the experience for visitors to the region’s cultural sites.

Communities are improving infrastructure at parks, trails, and museums, supporting enhancements to historical landmarks, renovating downtown spaces and main streets, and establishing new hubs for education, economic development, healthcare, and community engagement.

$154 million through the Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative will support: * 12 Transformed Downtown Districts One of Appalachian Ohio’s key natural resources are the waterways that define the region. From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, and everything in between, Appalachian Ohio’s waterways are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative is investing $204 million in this natural beauty, transforming local waterways into vibrant destinations for tourists and locals alike. Improvements to the scenic riverfronts not only boost the local economy but also promote outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking, allowing residents and visitors to fully appreciate and enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes.

The $204 million was awarded in 2024 to communities in 12 counties. The investment will expand access to local waterways, revitalize historic riverfront downtowns, and create new tourism and recreational opportunities. Projects include outdoor infrastructure, new river-to-downtown connections, downtown redevelopment and streetscape improvements, boat ramps, docks, and parks.

$204 million through Ohio’s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative will support: * 25 Waterfront Recreation Projects * 8 Downtown District Transformations * 5 Improved Recreation Trail Networks