Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

Contact:

Tamarah Holmes, Ph.D
804-592-8681
Bill Hartley
276-274-3378

Virginia’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding fosters economic development and improves the quality of life for our Appalachian citizens. ARC provides assistance in the long-term development of a chronically depressed multi-state region, which includes 25 counties and eight independent cities in Virginia. ARC invests in water and sewer service to communities, workforce training for skilled trades and professionals, regional economic restructuring efforts, and heritage and cultural tourism. Other funds seek to build a strong and sustainable asset-based economy, bringing jobs and prosperity to Appalachian communities while preserving their character.

Applications Now Open for 2026 Grants | Applications are Due April 30, 2026

2026 Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission Application and Program Handbook

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has released the 2026 Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission Application and Program Handbook.

Projects that leverage Virginia’s rich cultural, natural, community, structural, business and economic assets are eligible for funding. Additionally, energy efficiency improvements are fundable as a part of an eligible project. The Virginia ARC program may also be available to help with the development of an access road to support the location or expansion of an industry.

 

Virginia ARC Four-Year Development Plan

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has released the Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission Four-Year Development Plan. It details the goals of our state projects and highlights the ways that Virginia will continue to meet the diverse and changing needs of the Appalachian Region of Virginia by targeting and focusing the resources and strategies that mirror ARC’s defined goals and objectives of the region, as well as the Commonwealth’s priorities.