# Appalachian Area Development (23.002)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/23-002-appalachian-area-development/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Appalachian Area Development is run by Appalachian Regional Commission. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $988 million in 1,825 grants, about $541,511 per award.

## Objectives

To help the regional economy become more competitive by putting in place the building blocks for self-sustaining economic development, while continuing to provide special assistance to the Region's most distressed counties and areas. This program focuses on activities which support ARC's mission to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. Activities funded must advance ARC's strategic plan. Specific program goals are: (1) Invest in entrepreneurial and business development strategies that strengthen Appalachia's economy; (2) Increase the education, knowledge, skills, and health of residents to work and succeed in Appalachia; (3) Invest in critical infrastructure—especially broadband; transportation, including the Appalachian Development Highway System; and water/wastewater systems; (4) Strengthen Appalachia's community and economic development potential by leveraging the Region's natural and cultural heritage assets; and (5) Build the capacity and skills of current and next-generation leaders and organizations to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development.Specific objectives were developed for each goal. Grants are made either directly by the Commission or grants may supplement other Federal grants.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25.5 million | 91 |
| 2022 | $181 million | 366 |
| 2023 | $260 million | 503 |
| 2024 | $268 million | 365 |
| 2025 | $254 million | 517 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| WV Division of Economic Development | West Virginia | $37.6 million |
| The Center for Rural Development, Inc | Kentucky | $14.7 million |
| Catalyst Connection | Pennsylvania | $13.3 million |
| Tennessee Technological University | Tennessee | $11.4 million |
| Appalachia Service Project, Inc. | Tennessee | $10.7 million |
| The Industrial Commons | North Carolina | $10.0 million |
| American Association of Community Colleges | District of Columbia | $10.0 million |
| The Trust for Public Land | California | $10.0 million |
| Yellow Creek State Inland Port Authority | Alabama | $10.0 million |
| Fletcher Group Inc | Kentucky | $9.2 million |
| Mountain State ESC | West Virginia | $8.9 million |
| Backroads of Appalachia, Inc. | Kentucky | $8.9 million |
| Save the Children Federation, Inc. | Connecticut | $8.7 million |
| Community Education Group, Inc. | West Virginia | $8.2 million |
| Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development | Pennsylvania | $6.4 million |
| Connect Humanity | California | $6.3 million |
| County of Marshall | Mississippi | $6.1 million |
| Perry County Fiscal Court | Kentucky | $5.7 million |
| Marshall University Research Corporation | West Virginia | $5.5 million |
| Mississippi State University | Mississippi | $5.3 million |