Home » Center for Rural Development accepting grant applications for ARC funding for community strategic planning

Center for Rural Development accepting grant applications for ARC funding for community strategic planning

37 Southeast Kentucky counties eligible

SOMERSET, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2013) — In these tough economic times, many communities in Southern and Eastern Kentucky often have a vision for the future but lack the funds necessary to make that vision a reality.

During the next Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding cycle, The Center for Rural Development will be awarding federally funded mini-grants to help advance strategic planning efforts throughout the region.

Grant applications from city and county governments and eligible nonprofit organizations in 37 Southern and Eastern Kentucky communities will be accepted through Dec. 12. Grants range from $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000.

The ARC mini-grants, awarded through The Center’s Developing and Implementing Community Strategies Program, may be used for either the successful creation of a strategic plan or the implementation of priority community development projects identified in existing strategic plans. The use of technology solutions in the implementation and execution of these plans and projects is encouraged.

Eligibility guidelines, funding availability, and grant application materials may be downloaded from The Center’s website at www.centertech.com. For more information on the application process, contact Patti Simpson at (606) 677-6000 or email [email protected].

All projects must be completed within six months after the grant announcement and require a local cash match of 20 percent of the total project cost. Grants are expected to be awarded in January.

The following counties, which have been designated by ARC as distressed counties, are eligible to apply for ARC funding support through The Center: Adair, Bath, Bell, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe. Cities within those counties may also apply.