Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding (TN) Grant

Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding (TN) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
Amount: Up to US $1,000,000
Last Updated: October 19, 2025

Summary

The Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding supports economic development projects in middle and east Tennessee. Grants can reach up to $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Priorities include water and wastewater services to industries, basic services in rural areas, and unique community opportunities. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and foster self-sustaining development in the Appalachian region.

Overview

NOTE: A pre-application must be received in order to be invited to submit a full application. See Pre-proposal deadline above.Background The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The commission is a unique alliance composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government. Through ARC, Tennessee is able to award grants each year for economic and community development projects in the 52 counties in middle and east Tennessee served by the ARC. ARC Strategic Investment Goals Building Appalachian Businesses:Strengthen and diversify the region’s economy through inclusive economic development strategies and investments in entrepreneurship and business developmentBuilding Appalachia’s Workforce Ecosystem:Expand and strengthen community systems (education, healthcare, housing, childcare, and others) that help Appalachians obtain a job, stay on the job, and advance along a financially sustaining career pathway.Building Appalachia’s Infrastructure:Ensure that the residents and businesses of Appalachia have access to reliable, affordable, resilient, and energy efficient utilities and infrastructure in order to successfully live and work in the region.Building Regional Culture and Tourism:Strengthen Appalachia’s community and economic development potential by preserving and investing in the region’s local, cultural heritage, and natural assets.Building Community Leaders and Capacity:Invest in the capacity of local leaders, organizations, and communities to address local challenges by providing technical assistance and support to access resources, engage partners, identify strategies and tactics, and conduct effective planning and project execution. Priorities Within Tennessee, the first priority for the use of ARC funds is the economic development projects where water, wastewater, rail, etc. are provided to a locating or expanding industry. The second priority is for the provision of basic water and wastewater service in rural areas where such services are missing or inadequate. A third priority, "opportunity projects", is the ability of the governor to respond to unique problems or opportunities that are presented by a community. Funding Up to a $1,000,000 for construction projects, $500,000 for non-construction projects.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.