Appalachian Regional Commission Grant Program

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant Program is a federally funded initiative designed to support economic development and infrastructure improvements in the Appalachian region. Administered locally through the Washington County Office of Grant Management, this program aligns with ARC’s mission to foster sustainable economic growth, enhance quality of life, and promote opportunity across Appalachian communities. Each year, the Washington County Office solicits project proposals that are evaluated through a tiered review process before final submission to ARC. The FY27 project proposal deadline is April 3, 2026. The ARC Grant Program focuses on five strategic investment goals. These include promoting Economic Opportunities through entrepreneurial and business development; enhancing the Ready Workforce by advancing educational attainment and improving the health and skills of Appalachian residents; expanding Critical Infrastructure such as broadband internet, transportation networks, and water and wastewater systems; leveraging Natural and Cultural Assets to boost community and economic development; and strengthening Leadership and Community Capacity by investing in organizational and leadership development. Eligible projects must address one or more of these priority areas and are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and economic impacts. A critical aspect of ARC funding is its matching requirement. All applicants must provide a 50% match for the requested funds, and these matching funds must be identified and fully committed at the time of application. This ensures financial commitment from the grantee and strengthens the viability of proposed projects. Projects that lack confirmed matching sources will not be considered for submission to ARC. Furthermore, proposals must be designed to produce tangible results that align with ARC's strategic objectives and can be measured over the performance period. The submission process begins with applicants completing and submitting a Preliminary Project Description along with an ARC Project Budget and Funding Sources form to the Washington County Office of Grant Management. These materials are used to evaluate the feasibility and alignment of each proposal with ARC’s goals. Projects are initially reviewed and ranked by the Washington County Commissioners. Those selected are forwarded to the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland for a regional evaluation. Projects receiving high regional rankings will be invited to submit a full application to ARC, typically due in November following the regional review. Once approved for the final application phase, applicants will receive formal notification in early Fall. The final application will include more detailed plans and budgets and will be subject to ARC’s comprehensive grant review. The Office of Grant Management serves as the primary point of contact throughout this process and ensures proper submission and compliance. For questions, applicants may contact Maria Kramer via email or the main office phone line. Additionally, applicants can expect to receive confirmation of submission within 24 business hours, with follow-up required if not received. Overall, the ARC Grant Program represents a significant opportunity for organizations and governments in Washington County to secure federal funding for impactful, community-centered development projects. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes, the program fosters long-term investment in the region’s economic vitality and quality of life.