Awards and training are offered through READY Appalachia, an initiative providing training and funding access to help participants build capacity to address economic needs in all 13 Appalachian states. WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded capacity-building grants to 59 local governments and selected 75 nonprofits for no-cost capacity building training. […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
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.| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC uses congressionally appropriated funds to invest in the region’s economic and community development through grants. Projects must take place within the Appalachian Region as defined by the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) of 1965. For projects with a geographic scope extending beyond ARC’s footprint, only activities within the region would be eligible for funding. […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
The achievement of economic development goals in Appalachia is dependent upon local ability to prioritize challenges and implement impactful solutions. Many areas, especially those designated as rural and economically distressed, lack capacity at the individual, organizational or community level to effectively plan and implement strategies, capitalize on funding opportunities and steer investments toward successful outcomes. […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
READY Grants to Grow is making $9 million available for projects that will build individual, organizational and/or community capacity to help the region’s most underserved areas and populations create positive change. WSHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2024—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the launch of READY Grants to Grow, a new, $9 million funding opportunity […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachian nonprofits are mission-driven organizations committed to meeting pressing community needs. However, these organizations often lack the capacity and resources to put ideas into action. Through READY Nonprofits, ARC provides no-cost training to help leaders of nonprofits serving the Appalachian Region build skills in federal grant application and management, financial management, fundraising, employee recruitment and retention, […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachia’s local governments are the backbone of economic and community development. With more federal funding available than ever, local governments need support to apply for these opportunities and leverage federal support to create lasting, positive change. READY Local Governments provides no-cost training to help local government officials better identify, secure, manage, and implement federally funded […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachia’s 74 Local Development Districts play a critical role in community and economic growth, often serving as the primary development organizations in rural areas. With a variety of federal funding sources available, LDDs need support to help their communities identify, access, and best utilize these opportunities. Through READY LDDs, ARC has awarded nearly $4 million to 41 LDDs […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
In many areas of Appalachia, community foundations are the only philanthropic option for nonprofits, local government entities and other community groups. READY Community Foundations provides no-cost training to help these organizations strengthen operations, programming and fundraising. Following completion of the training program, participants will be eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in funding (no-match […]| Appalachian Regional Commission