The Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) is an initiative addressing the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis by creating or expanding a recovery ecosystem that will lead to workforce entry or re-entry.
Donor Name: Appalachian Regional Commission
State: Selected States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/14/2025
Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
Successful projects will support the post-treatment to employment continuum, which could include investments in healthcare networks that support substance abuse recovery professionals, recovery-focused job training programs, as well as initiatives designed to coordinate, or link, recovery services and training that support the recovery ecosystem, among others.
INSPIRE Funding Priorities
Applicants should describe how their project will address one or more of the following INSPIRE priorities, and how, to the extent possible, the project is evidence-based or based on emerging research.
- Job Training and Skill Building
- This refers to specialized programs that provide skills development, education, and support to help individuals in recovery acquire meaningful employment. These programs are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by those in recovery, such as gaps in work history, stigma, and the need for ongoing support to sustain sobriety.
- Prevention Activities
- This refers to strategies, programs, and practices aimed at reducing the initiation, misuse, and progression of substance use and minimizing the risk of developing SUD. Prevention efforts target individuals, families, and communities to address risk factors and strengthen protective factors, ultimately fostering environments and behaviors that discourage substance misuse.
- Workforce Partnerships
- This refers to creating and enhancing collaborations among various stakeholders to support individuals in recovery by addressing workforce challenges and fostering sustainable employment opportunities. These partnerships aim to integrate workforce development with SUD recovery services, providing a holistic ecosystem that promotes recovery, economic stability, and community well-being.
- Research, Evaluation, and Innovation
- This refers to the systematic collection, analysis, and application of information to improve understanding, assess outcomes, and develop new approaches to address SUD effectively as applicants build, expand, and improve their ecosystems. This may include leveraging evidence-based practices and innovative strategies to enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts while driving policy and program improvements.
- Employer Support and Recovery-Ready Workplaces
- This refers to workplace frameworks designed to address SUD and foster environments where employees can seek help, recover, and thrive.
- Local, State, and Regional Partnership
- This refers to collaborations among various stakeholders to address the complex challenges associated with prevention, treatment, and recovery from SUD. These partnerships leverage resources, expertise, and community engagement to create a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to tackling Appalachia’s SUD crisis.
- Stigma Reduction
- This involves strategies and actions aimed at diminishing the negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination faced by individuals with SUD. Stigma can create barriers to seeking treatment, maintaining recovery, and integrating into society. Reducing this stigma is essential for fostering understanding, supporting recovery, and addressing the broader public health impact of SUD.
- Wraparound Services
- This refers to a holistic, coordinated approach to care that addresses the multiple and interconnected needs of individuals struggling with SUD. These services go beyond clinical treatment for substance use, integrating various supports to help individuals achieve and sustain recovery while improving their overall quality of life and ability to engage in meaningful employment.
Funding Information
Applicants can request up to $500,000 for implementation projects or $100,000 for planning projects.
Grant Period
- Implementation Grants: Up to three years (36 months), if necessary, per the size and scope of the project.
- Planning Grants: Up to 18 months if necessary per the size and scope of the project.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative include the following:
- Local development districts (LDDs)
- Indian tribes or a consortium of Indian tribes
- States, counties, cities, or other political subdivisions 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.
For more information, visit Appalachian Regional Commission.
