Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is inviting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. ARC, a federal-state partnership created under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, promotes economic growth across 423 counties in 13 Appalachian states. The POWER Initiative specifically addresses the challenges faced by communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal-powered plants, and related supply chain industries. The initiative seeks to bolster regional economic diversification and workforce development while promoting strategic coal technology applications and broadband expansion. Up to $65 million in federal funding is available under the FY 2025 POWER Initiative. Funding is structured into two main categories: implementation grants and planning grants. Implementation projects can receive between $400,000 and $2 million, or up to $2.5 million for broadband-related projects. Planning grants are capped at $100,000. The initiative supports a wide range of activities including job creation, business support, entrepreneurship development, workforce training aligned with in-demand skills, and strategic investment in broadband and coal technology utilization. Projects must align with one or more of ARC’s five Strategic Investment Goals and at least one of the POWER Investment Priorities, including fostering entrepreneurship, industry cluster development, workforce competitiveness, and broadband access. Eligible applicants include local development districts, Indian tribes, state and local governments, higher education institutions, and public or private nonprofit organizations. Projects must serve communities within the Appalachian Region and demonstrate a tangible impact from coal-related economic shifts. Ineligible applicants include individuals and for-profit organizations. Applicants with current ARC awards are eligible provided the new project is distinct in geography or scope, and they demonstrate capacity to manage additional funds. Applicants are required to contact their respective ARC State Program Manager before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is due by September 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Full applications must be submitted via the ARC POWER portal by October 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. ARC will host a virtual pre-application workshop on August 21, 2025, to guide prospective applicants. Award decisions are expected in spring 2026, and selected projects will commence no earlier than May 1, 2026. Matching funds are required based on the ARC designation of the service area and must be confirmed by March 20, 2026. Projects lacking confirmed match by that date may be disqualified. The application process includes the LOI, a comprehensive application narrative (limited to 15 pages), supporting documents (up to 100 pages), and required federal forms. Reviewers will assess alignment with ARC goals, documentation of coal impact, project design, feasibility, stakeholder engagement, and the proposed budget and match structure. Broadband and construction projects have additional technical requirements, including geographic data and compliance with Buy America provisions. Applicants must register in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity ID. Applicants with questions can email POWER@arc.gov or refer to www.arc.gov/POWER for application forms and resources. Technical support is provided through state program managers and ARC project coordinators assigned during the review phase. The application must be signed and certified electronically; paper submissions are not accepted.

Contact your ARC State Program Manager well in advance, ensure the LOI and full proposal match in scope, and tailor support letters to specific project components.