ARC’s POWER grant program opened last week, bringing a major funding opportunity for coal-impacted communities across Appalachia. Administered by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), POWER stands for Partnerships for Opportunity, Workforce, and Economic Revitalization. This grant program supports projects that build long-term economic resilience across the region.
Grant Ready Kentucky (GRKY), in partnership with Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), is offering full technical assistance support for this cycle, including two targeted webinars, a practical POWER Playbook, personalized coaching for up to 15 eligible organizations, and an in-person application review workshop.
The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative provides grants to help communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain or logistics industries.
The POWER Initiative prioritizes projects that:
- Diversify local and regional commercial and industrial economies
- Create high-quality, well-paying jobs in both new and existing sectors
- Attract new public and private investment
- Provide workforce services and skills training, including paid, work-based learning with industry-recognized credentials
- Explore innovative coal-related technologies, including building materials, battery materials, carbon fiber, synthetic graphite, and steelmaking
Projects must serve and benefit a portion of the Appalachian Region as defined by the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) of 1965, as amended. Fifty-four Kentucky counties are eligible for this funding cycle.
For more information about the funding opportunity, click here.
Interactive Webinars
In partnership with SOAR, Grant Ready Kentucky will be offering two POWER-focused webinars. Click on the webinar title to learn more and to register for the event.
- “POWER Moves: Crafting a Winning ARC Proposal”
Led by Melissa Vermillion, Chief Strategy Officer at Grant Ready Kentucky, this webinar will help you:- Learn about the key elements of the POWER Initiative
- Understand how to develop a competitive application
- Gain insights into navigating the application process
- “From Chaos to Clarity: A Framework for Winning ARC POWER Grants”
Led by Alice Ruhnke, President of Education and Outreach at GrantStation, this webinar will teach you:- The best practices for addressing each section of the POWER application
- How to connect all the pieces of your application together
- How to infuse your organization's strengths in your proposal to make it more competitive
ARC POWER Initiative Application Playbook
Designed by SOAR, this free, downloadable playbook will show you how to develop a standout ARC POWER Initiative application. Read it to equip yourself with:
- Actionable checklists
- Outreach templates
- Suggested timelines
- Step-by-step instructions
- Advice from ARC leaders
- Insights from past winners
Download the FREE ARC POWER Initiative Application Playbook here.
Coaching and In-Person Application Review
As part of the wraparound support for this funding opportunity, up to 15 eligible organizations will be able to apply for free, in-depth assistance with their proposals. Grant Ready Kentucky and SOAR will also host an in-person event on October 9 in Corbin, Kentucky, where participants can meet with grant professionals for a review of their applications. Save the date, and plan to join the September 4 webinar, when applications for these 15 technical assistance slots will open.