Want To Fund Your Project In Rural Appalachia? This Program Could Help

A new grant program is taking applications for economic development projects in coal-impacted areas of Appalachia. 

Opportunity Appalachia is a collaboration between multiple non-profits and philanthropic organizations across central Appalachia. Project organizers expect to select 15 projects; each awardee will be coached by experienced business and development professionals. They value the support at an average of $50,000 per project.

The goal is to support groups in rural areas across central Appalachia by helping them leverage more funding and networking opportunities toward economic investment in their communities. 

According to a press release from the West Virginia Hub, one of the organizations behind the initiative, projects can focus on downtown development, manufacturing, healthcare, education, food systems, clean energy, heritage tourism, and recreation.

Groups and individuals located within economically distressed communities, places that have been identified as “opportunity zones” in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio have until March 2nd to submit their proposals.