The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is accepting applications for the second round of its READY Nonprofits initiative, a capacity-building training program designed for nonprofit organizations serving the Appalachian region. The program provides no-cost, seven-week virtual cohort-based training aimed at strengthening nonprofit operations, programming, and fundraising. Upon successful completion of the training, participants may apply for up to $25,000 in funding to support organizational capacity-building projects.

The READY Nonprofits program focuses on enhancing key aspects of nonprofit management, including fundraising, financial management, program operations, board development, human resources, marketing and communications, grant writing, and strategic planning. By participating in this initiative, Appalachian nonprofits will gain essential skills to expand their services, increase efficiency, and improve financial sustainability. The program aligns with ARC’s broader READY Appalachia initiative, which seeks to empower nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community foundations to address economic and social challenges in Appalachia.

Organizations that complete the READY Nonprofits training will be eligible to apply for funding to implement capacity-building projects, with awards of up to $25,000 available. This funding requires no matching contributions, making it an accessible opportunity for nonprofits with limited resources. Additionally, READY Appalachia offers other funding streams, such as READY Grants to Grow, which provides grants of up to $500,000 for capacity-building projects within eligible organizations.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations operating within ARC’s 13-state, 423-county service area in the Appalachian region. The initiative is specifically designed to support nonprofits that aim to enhance their organizational capacity to better serve their communities. Special emphasis is placed on organizations working in economically distressed areas.

Applications for READY Nonprofits are due by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. A pre-application webinar will be held on February 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET to provide additional guidance to potential applicants. The program does not require a financial match, making it a unique opportunity for nonprofits to gain both training and funding support.

ARC is a federal economic development entity that collaborates with 13 state governments to foster community capacity and economic growth in Appalachia. Since its inception, the READY Appalachia initiative has provided training and funding to 75 nonprofits, 90 local government entities, 41 local development districts (LDDs), and 30 community foundations, with nearly $4 million in funding awarded through READY LDDs and $1.7 million through the first round of READY Nonprofits.

For further details or assistance, applicants may contact Janiene Bohannon, ARC’s media contact. More information is available on ARC’s official website.