The Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative addresses the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis across Appalachia 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: 05/12/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
Successful projects will support the post-treatment to employment continuum, which could include investments in healthcare networks that support SUD recovery professionals, recovery-focused job training programs, as well as initiatives that promote employer supports and recovery-ready workplaces.
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 funding priority refers to specialized programs that provide training and skill development (including prevention activities) to help individuals in recovery acquire employment within in-demand industry sectors. These programs are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by those in recovery, such as upskilling, reskilling, and the need for ongoing support to maintain sobriety while meeting employer needs.
- 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.
- Evaluation
- 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 program improvements.
- Employer Support and Recovery-Ready Workplaces
- This refers to workplace frameworks designed to address SUD, reduce stigma and foster environments where employees can seek help, recover, and thrive.
- 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 obtain and maintain employment.
- Wraparound services must have a clear connection to supporting the recovery-to-work ecosystem and assisting those recovering from SUD to enter or re-enter the workforce. As a component of a comprehensive project design, the intent of these activities is to offer supportive services, such as transportation, stable housing, childcare, legal services, counseling, and access to supplies, technology and uniforms, in order to ensure successful workforce reentry for individuals in recovery
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 are 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, including but not limited to faith-based organizations
For more information, visit Appalachian Regional Commission.
