The READY Nonprofits Training Program is a capacity-building initiative led by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) under its broader READY Appalachia framework. This program supports public and private nonprofit organizations across ARC’s 13-state service region with structured training designed to build core operational competencies and improve long-term sustainability. The program's mission is to strengthen the ability of Appalachian nonprofits to serve their communities and contribute to regional economic growth.
Selected nonprofits will participate in a free, cohort-based, seven-week virtual training program, choosing one of eight specialized courses: board development, financial management, grant writing and management, fundraising, marketing and communications, human capital, programs and operations, or strategic planning. Each organization sends two participants—an executive director and another team member—who must attend at least four of five virtual sessions, complete one-to-one consultations, and fulfill weekly assignments. Participation includes 20 hours of total commitment and concludes with two follow-up consultations three months after training ends.
Organizations that successfully complete the training become eligible to apply for a grant of up to $25,000 to fund internal capacity-building projects aligned with the needs identified during the training. No match is required, though voluntary matching contributions may be included. ARC has awarded over $1.7 million to 69 nonprofits in previous cycles, and an additional 75 nonprofits were selected for participation in June 2025.
Eligible applicants must be public or private nonprofit organizations or associations, including labor unions, that serve Appalachian communities. Organizations serving distressed counties, remote areas, or historically underserved populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Institutions of higher education, hospital systems, for-profit entities, and groups outside the ARC footprint are ineligible.
Applications open January 15, 2025, and are due by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A pre-application webinar is scheduled for February 11, 2025. Selected participants will be notified during the week of April 28, 2025, with courses running from June 23 to September 23, 2025. Program-related questions can be directed to READY@yourstrategicconsultant.com.
