The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced this week that Carroll County is one of 90 local governments selected to participate in the READY Local Governments program.
As part of ARC’s READY Appalachia initiative, READY Local Governments is designed to help localities access federal funding and create lasting, positive change in their communities.
READY participants will participate in nine weeks of virtual instruction to learn about project planning, applying for federal grants, federal grant regulations and compliance, community engagement in projects, and more.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith congratulated Carroll County on its selection. “The local government will be trained and equipped on best practices when applying for and receiving federal funds, thus better serving residents.”
According to ARC, the majority of localities selected are distressed rural communities with “historically underserved and marginalized populations.”
Following completion of the training program, Carroll County will be eligible to apply for up to $50,000 in funding (with no local match required) to implement projects to help them better serve the community.
“This is an exciting announcement for Carroll County and Southwest Virginia,” said Del. Wren Williams. “This program will provide the necessary training and resources to ensure our communities can successfully secure and maintain federal funding and grants to provide better economic opportunities... Carroll County’s acceptance into the READY program ensures our community can compete and collaborate with local governments throughout the commonwealth.”
Since the launch of READY Appalachia in July 2022, ARC has awarded around $5.6 million to localities, development districts and nonprofits.
ARC said that opportunities for philanthropic organizations in the Appalachian region will be available through the READY Foundations program later this year.
