READY Grants to Grow

The READY Grants to Grow program is part of the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) broader READY Appalachia initiative, which includes five distinct funding opportunities. ARC is a regional economic development agency representing a partnership of federal, state, and local governments that is dedicated to innovation and growth across the Appalachian Region. Through this initiative, ARC aims to strengthen communities by supporting their ability to plan, develop, and implement solutions to local economic challenges. This specific funding opportunity provides $9 million in total grant funding and offers individual awards of up to $500,000. It is designed to support efforts that bolster capacity at the individual, organizational, or community level, especially in economically distressed areas within the Appalachian Region. The grant targets organizations that either demonstrate low existing capacity or are working directly to build it within their communities. Eligible projects must aim to enhance the capability of individuals through staff training and professional development, improve organizational functions through strategic planning or service expansion, or strengthen community efforts through initiatives like community-led planning or the hiring of planning consultants. The goal is to empower these communities and organizations to more effectively address local needs and foster long-term economic resilience. Applicants are expected to clearly demonstrate how their proposed projects will build capacity to create meaningful and sustainable change. Projects should show a direct connection to improving economically distressed areas, and proposals must articulate the need for support and the intended outcomes of the funding. No specific eligibility categories or types of applicants are listed, which suggests a broad range of organization types may apply, provided they align with the goals of the program. For inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact ARC directly via email at READY@arc.gov. While specific submission requirements, application questions, and evaluation criteria are not detailed in the provided source, the grant is not listed as recurring or offered on a rolling basis. Additional application details, including deadlines and supporting documentation, are likely available on ARC’s official grants portal or by request.