READY Local Governments Training Program 2026

Applications are now being accepted for READY Local Governments Training Program. Donor Name: Appalachian Regional Commission State: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Training or Mentorship Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2026 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: READY Local Governments provides training to help local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement federally funded economic development projects to maximize positive outcomes.The purpose of the READY Local Governments program is to train Appalachian municipal staff and/or elected officials (using an entirely virtual, cohort-based learning format) in federal grant application and grants management principles for the purpose of strengthening infrastructure, business and workforce development, and other long-term solutions to grow the region’s economy. Local government entities that successfully complete the requirements of the training program will be eligible to apply for a grant from ARC to address the internal capacity needs of the organization.The READY Local Governments Training Program is a nine-week training program through which participants will learn and improve their skills in matters related to federal grant application and management skills, helping them to foster economic development in their communities. Funding InformationUp to $50,000Eligibility CriteriaThe following entities are eligible to apply:An eligible “local government” for the purposes of this program means a borough, city, county, municipality, parish, town, township, or federally recognized Indian tribe in the 423- county Appalachian Region.Local governments serving economically distressed counties and areas are encouraged to apply.Additionally, local government entities with limited resources, those in remote areas of the region, and those ARC has not worked with before, are encouraged to apply.To be eligible for selection the applicant must submit a letter from the local government entity’s highest-ranking official (e.g., Mayor, County Commissioner, City Manager, etc.) with their application, confirming the entity’s intent to participate in the program and commitment to the attendance and participation requirements as described in the NOSA. Applicants must upload this letter within the application platform (i.e., the letter will not be accepted through other means) and applications without this letter will be disqualified.Ineligibility CriteriaThe following entities are not eligible to apply:Local public authorities (including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act of 1937); Special districts;School districts;Intrastate districts;Councils of government (such as local development districts), whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under state law, and;Any other agency or instrumentality of a multi-state, regional, or intrastate government.For more information, visit ARC.