Appalachian Regional Commission
Area Development projects with ARC are funded each year in the region. Applying for ARC Grants is a little different than most of the other grant processes. In short, prospective applicants (local units of government, educational institutions, and non-profits) are notified in late winter of each year by their county point of contact of a deadline to submit a Preliminary Project Description (PPD).
After the county has received all of the PPDs, complete and accurate projects are then prioritized by the County Commissioners for the respective County, which is then forwarded to Tri County Council.
The PPD rankings received from the 3 counties are then aggregated on a regional basis and screened for eligibility under the ARC priorities. The Tri County Council board then votes to approve the “Project Package” which prioritizes projects for funding. Each project will either receive a notice to apply for funding by completing an ARC application, or a notice their project was not selected for funding at this time.
ARC can fund construction and non-construction projects, although construction projects require another federal agency or registered state basic agency to administer the funding on behalf of ARC.
ARC funding must be matched with local, state, and/or other federal funds (limitations apply). The funding ratio is determined by the ARC attainment status, which is currently:
Interested in an ARC Grant? Contact us to learn more if your project might be eligible.
ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission)
Appalachia Envisioned A New Era of Opportunity ARC Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2022-2026
2024-2028 Appalachian Maryland Development Plan
2026 Maryland ARC Annual Strategy Statement
2024-2028 ARC Strategic Goals and Objectives
ARC Area Development Funding
ARC Preliminary Project Description (PPD) FY27
ARC Grant Applicant Resources Guide
Build America, Buy America (BABA) ARC Grantee Manual
Guidance on the Implementation of BABA Preference Requirements
State Basic Agency Program for ARC Construction Projects contact David Cotton, ARC Program Manager, Maryland Department of Planning
ARC FY 2027 Project Package
“Securing a loan through Tri County Council gave me the chance to make a transformative investment in my business: the purchase of a RAM press. This piece of equipment, far beyond what I could have afforded on my own, is opening the door for me to produce handmade dinnerware at a sustainable scale. Because of Tri County Council’s lender‐friendly terms and the scale of funding available, I was able to take my original dream of creating unique, durable pottery and expand it into a bigger vision than I had even imagined.
Beyond the funding itself, working with Chris and her team was an exceptional experience. From answering my many questions to even visiting my studio in person, they made the process clear, smooth, and personal. I didn’t just receive a loan—I felt the genuine support of people who are invested in my success and goals. That combination of resources and encouragement is what’s making this dream possible.”
