Last week brought exciting news from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): applicants to two of the region’s most competitive grant opportunities—INSPIRE and READY Grants to Grow—began receiving notifications that they’ve advanced to the second round of review.
We’re thrilled to share that every single KFA Nonprofit client competing for these ARC funds has moved on to round two.
These programs are part of ARC’s broader effort to support economic resilience, workforce development, and substance use recovery across Appalachia. Both the INSPIRE Initiative and the READY Grants to Grow competition are highly competitive and require clear, compelling proposals backed by evidence, strategy, and regional relevance.
At KFA, we’ve supported organizations across Appalachia in identifying the right ARC opportunity, building out project plans, and crafting strong narratives that reflect the transformative potential of their work. Our clients advancing to round two are a testament not just to their incredible missions—but to the power of strategic, well-supported applications.
Are You Considering ARC Funding?
If your organization is considering applying for future ARC opportunities—whether through INSPIRE, POWER, READY Appalachia, or another initiative—now is the time to prepare. The competition is only growing more sophisticated, and early planning makes all the difference.
We know what works- when these grants are awarded, our ARC success rate will go from 87.5% to 91.6%. More importantly, we know what doesn’t. And we bring that knowledge to every client relationship.
Whether you’re:
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An education or workforce nonprofit seeking to expand training opportunities,
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A regional coalition working to address substance use disorder,
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A local government or economic development entity ready to scale an innovative project,
We can help you position your work for success—and navigate every step of the ARC process, from pre-application planning to contract negotiation.
Let’s Talk
Our team is currently scheduling consultations with organizations interested in ARC funding. If you have a project idea or simply want to learn more about the competitive landscape, reach out today.
You don’t have to go it alone. And as our latest round of client successes shows—you don’t have to miss out.
👉 Contact us here to get started.