The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has issued a issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative. The grant program addresses the disproportionate impact of the substance use disorder crisis on Appalachian communities and workforces with investments of up to $13 million in projects that create or expand services in the recovery ecosystem and help facilitate workforce entry and re-entry.
Awards issued through the INSPIRE Initiative will support a wide range of projects on the post-treatment to employment continuum, including the development or expansion of recovery-focused job and workforce training programs, recovery support networks and specialists, cross-sector recovery-focused partnerships, wraparound services, and more.
Successful INSPIRE grant applications will demonstrate the potential for individuals in recovery to obtain and maintain stable employment. Projects may include enhanced support services in the recovery ecosystem, strategies to integrate plans with existing state and regional economic development activities, and community- and partnership-based approaches for stronger coordination among services and providers across the ecosystem.
Key Dates for FY 2023 INSPIRE Initiative:
- February 15, 2023: Pre-Application Workshop (Virtual)
- February 21, 2023: Letters of Intent (LOI) due for INSPIRE implementation grants up to $500,000 and planning grants up to $50,000
- Pre-Application Workshops (In-person; registration information coming soon)
- March 17, 2023: Final applications due
- September 2023: Awards announced
Learn more about the INSPIRE Initiative and how to apply or contact Kathy Zook at (234) 254-1518, kzook@eastgatecog.org.