Governor's Office of Appalachia | Grants

Available Grants
Below is a list of grant programs offered through the Governor’s Office of Appalachia:

 

Area Development

The Area Development grants promote a diversified regional economy through strategies that help communities create and retain businesses and jobs. They help communities develop an educated, skilled workforce and create access to affordable health care. They also support the development and improvement of infrastructure, including water and sewer services and the development and use of Internet access.

 

 

Distressed Counties

The Appalachian Regional Commission designates distressed county status based on low per capita income and high rates of poverty and unemployment. In the past the distressed county program focused mainly on providing public facilities, clean drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and human resource projects such as literacy training. In 2000, the Commission approved the creation of a new enhanced program for these counties. The program has two parts: a capacity-building effort and a telecommunications and information technology initiative. Applicants in distressed counties are eligible to request up to 80 percent of the total project costs.

 

Appalachian Local Access Road

 

The Appalachian Local Access Road program provides matching funds for preliminary engineering, purchase of right-of-way, and initial construction of eligible access road projects. Eligible access road projects link businesses, communities, and residents to the Appalachian Development Highway System and to other key parts of the region's transportaion network with the construction of local access roads compatible with local development plans and related to employment opportunities and the stimulation of economic development.

 

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Funds assist eligible communities and organizations develop assets or create jobs with projects that carry out the goals and objectives set forth by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The maximum grant award is $30,000, and applicants must document a cash match of at least 50 percent of the total project cost.

 

Rapid Response Fund

The Rapid Response Fund provides matching funds to projects that will have a significant impact in a short period of time. Job creation is strongly emphasized when committing Rapid Response Funds. All activities funded with Rapid Response Funds must be completed and ready for use within one year from the date the grant agreement is executed.

 

The Appalachian Training Investment Partnership (ATIP) Program

This grant helps small companies defray some of the costs associated with employee training. Individual grant recipients can receive up to $30,000. A consortium of businesses (no fewer than three eligible and qualifying businesses) can receive up to $50,000. The funds are awarded to small companies that demonstrate a need.