The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a partnership of federal, state, and local governments created to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life in the 13-state region of the Appalachian Mountains, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. ARC funds projects that address one or more of the five goals identified by ARC in its 2016–2020 strategic plan and that can demonstrate measurable results. Goals for 2016-2020 include:
- Economic Opportunities: Invest in entrepreneurial and business development strategies that strengthen Appalachias economy.
- Ready Workforce: Increase the education, knowledge, skills, and health of residents to work and succeed in Appalachia.
- Critical Infrastructure: Invest in critical infrastructure–specially broadband; transportation, including the Appalachian Development Highway System; and water/wastewater systems.
- Natural and Cultural Assets: Strengthen Appalachias community and economic development potential by leveraging the Regions natural and cultural heritage assets.
- Leadership and Community Capacity: Build the capacity and skills of current and next-generation leaders and organizations to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development.
Within each of these goals, ARC provides funding for projects in the Appalachian Region in a wide range of program areas, including asset-based development; community infrastructure; education and training; energy; entrepreneurship and business development; export and trade development; health; leadership development and capacity building; telecommunications; tourism development; and transportation and highways. Projects funded in these program areas create thousands of new jobs; improve local water and sewer systems; increase school readiness; expand access to health care; assist local communities with strategic planning; and provide technical and managerial assistance to emerging businesses.
All projects funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission are required to provide matching funds. The percentage of matching funds required varies depending on the economic status of the county where a project is located. To learn more about county designations, visit the Appalachian Regional Commission's Source and Methodology page (https://www.arc.gov/funding/arcgrantsandcontracts.asp).