ARC launches $73.5 million grant initiative to grow regional economies in Appalachia

A new $73.5 million grant opportunity using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is aimed at growing and supporting the development of new economic opportunities across multiple states in Appalachia. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) launched the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) on Aug. 23 to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects across the region. ARC has published a request for proposals, which makes available at least $10 million in FY 2022 funding for planning grants with a maximum award size of $500,000, and up to $63.5 million for implementation grants with a $10 million maximum award size. ARC has released a toolkit to help guide potential applicants in considering their multistate proposals and will hold a pre-application workshop on Sept. 12.

In addition to being multi-state collaborations, proposals must address at least one of ARC’s five strategic investment priorities outlined in its strategic plan, which are:

1. Building Appalachian businesses, diversifying the region’s economy through inclusive economic development strategies and investments in entrepreneurship and business development.
2. Building Appalachia’s workforce system.
3. Building Appalachia’s infrastructure.
4. Building regional culture and tourism.
5. Building community leaders and capacity, including providing technical assistance and support to access resources, engage partners, identify strategies, and conduct effective planning and project execution.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a Nov. 30 deadline for the first round of applications, and reviews of complete applications prioritized on a quarterly basis as funds remain available.