Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) pre-application deadlines:Fiscal Year 2025 Pre-Application submittal deadline is October 31, 2024.
Pre-applications should be emailed to
Scott Sharp.
2023 ARC Pre-applications that haven’t had a full application requested and would like to be considered in 2024 should submit a new 2024 pre-application.
Please note that pre-applications can be submitted after the deadline for project needs that may arise with proper justification and at the discretion of the Governor’s ARC Alternate to accept. Pre-application forms and instructions are available below.
What: The ARC is a federal-state economic development program designed to assist in the economic development of Appalachia through a diversity of projects in the areas of public infrastructure (water, sewer, solid waste, housing, and telecommunications), human resource development (education/workforce development, affordable/accessible healthcare, and leadership development) and business/entrepreneurial development.
Why: Historically, the far eastern region of Kentucky has lagged behind the rest of the nation in terms of economic development. The ARC grant program provides the region with financial assistance in creating jobs, developing a workforce, and providing health care and education services.
Who Can Apply? Local governments, special districts, and non-profit entities that include Kentucky's 54 most eastern and southcentral
Counties are eligible to apply for the grant dollars.
Matching requirements are fifty percent (50%) for transitional counties, thirty percent (30%) for at-risk counties, and twenty percent (20%) for distressed counties. Federal Funds may not exceed 80 percent of the total project.
Examples of eligible projects are: water/sewer line extension and treatment expansion; telecommunication/broadband deployment; learning center development; education/workforce development training; industrial site development; asset-based development planning/activities; and, leadership development/civic capacity building.
Appalachian Regional Commission INSPIRE InitiativeLetters of Intent (LOI) for implementation grants up to $500,000 and planning grants up to $50,000 under INSPIRE are due by close of business
TBD.
The deadline for final applications is
TBD by close of business.
Award announcements are anticipated to be made
August 2024.
Awards made via the INSPIRE Initiative will support the post-treatment to employment continuum, which could include, among others, investments in healthcare networks that support substance abuse recovery professionals, recovery-focused job training programs, as well as initiatives designed to coordinate, or link, recovery services and training that support the recovery ecosystem, among others.
Competitive applications for INSPIRE should stress the potential for individuals in recovery to enter or re-enter the workforce, or maintain employment, with a special emphasis on employment retention, including basic and advanced training, soft skills development, up-skilling and establishing clear, defined career pathways in training programs that accommodate continued growth. Proposals can also include plans and initiatives supporting employers, industry and partnerships to meet workforce challenges supporting a recovery ecosystem.
More information can be found on the
INSPIRE Initiative Application Information Website.
Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA)Prepares the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. Chosen via a competitive application process, 26 high school students from across the Appalachian Region participate in experiential learning designed to cultivate creativity and develop essential entrepreneurial skills. While learning, students concurrently develop and implement their own business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and eventually deliver a shark-tank-style pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs.
Applications due by TBDAppalachian Entrepreneurship Academy Toolkit.
Link to the ARC-
AEA Website.
Appalachian STEM Academy The Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a residential, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. Many participants come from economically distressed counties and often gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience.
7th – 9th grade students should apply by TBDAppalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge Toolkit.
Link to the ARC -
Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge Website.
