Since 2005, The Center for Rural Development’s Developing and Implementing Community Strategies Program (Flex-E Grant) has presented more than $1,000,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) federal funding support to distressed communities across Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
Developing and Implementing Community Strategies Program
The funds, awarded in the form of ARC Flex-E Grants, can be used for projects which might include but are not limited to the successful creation of a strategic plan, implementation of a project from an existing strategic plan, training for local leaders or consultant services to assess feasibility or support development of a project. All projects must be completed within a six-month period.
Counties within The Center’s service area and designated as distressed by ARC are eligible to apply. ARC distressed counties for 2021 are: Adair, Bath, Bell, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe.
Updates and future funding cycles will be announced on our website or can be received by signing up for our mailing list