Appalachian Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative
Application: Jun 15, 2026
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) INSPIRE Initiative provides funding to assist in moving individuals from substance abuse treatment to recovery to employment, with a focus on support services that enable and support individual successful entry or reentry into the workforce.
Successful applications will address one or more of the following priorities and how, to the extent possible, the project is evidence-based or based on emerging research:
- Job training and skill building, including prevention activities
- Workforce partnerships
- Evaluation
- Employer support and recovery-ready workplaces
- Wraparound services
Eligible applicants include:
- Local development districts
- Tribes or a consortium of tribes
- States, counties, cities, or other political subdivision of a state, including a special purpose unit of a state or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions
- Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
- Public or private nonprofit organizations or associations
Projects must serve and benefit a portion of the Appalachian region.
Award ceiling: Implementation grants up
to $500,000 and planning grants up to $100,000
Project period: 3 years for
implementation grants and up to 18 months for planning
grants
Applicants must demonstrate a cost share/match from non-ARC sources. Matching funds can be federal or non-federal contributions, or a combination of both, and they can be cash or in-kind.
Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application portal are available on the program website.
Applicants should register for an account in the grant management system by May 5, 2026. Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent by May 12, 2026. The deadline to submit the online application is June 15, 2026.
Applicant webinar
(Registration required)
April 29, 2026
10:00 a.m. Eastern
For complete information about funding programs, including your
application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided
for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes
or monitor application status.