Appalachian Regional Commission Funds
The Appalachian Regional Commission Funds support research-driven projects to boost economic, workforce, infrastructure, and cultural development in North Carolina’s Appalachian counties.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Commerce
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Area Development Grant Pre-Application)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from ~$50,000 to $1,500,000 per project; annual total varies by federal and state allocation.
Summary: Supports economic and community development projects in North Carolina’s Appalachian counties, advancing business, workforce, infrastructure, culture, and leadership.
Key Information: Pre-applications are required and must be submitted electronically; incomplete or late submissions are not accepted.
Description
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) program, administered in North Carolina by the Department of Commerce, provides funding for projects that promote economic and community development across the state’s 31 Appalachian counties. Since 1965, ARC has invested in initiatives that align with five strategic priorities: building businesses, strengthening workforce systems, improving infrastructure, enhancing cultural and tourism assets, and increasing local leadership capacity. The program aims to foster inclusive, sustainable growth and improve quality of life for residents of Appalachia.
