Federal Grant Award Summary

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded a $400,000 Project Grant to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation for organizational capacity building activities under the Appalachian Area Development program (CFDA 23.002). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, supports efforts to strengthen institutional and organizational capabilities within the Appalachian region as part of ARC's broader mission to build community capacity and foster self-sustaining economic development across the 13-state Appalachian region.

While the specific organizational capacity initiatives are not detailed in the award documentation, the funding aligns with ARC's strategic objectives to build the capacity and skills of current and next-generation leaders and organizations to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development in Appalachia. The three-year performance period allows the awardee to implement comprehensive capacity-building strategies that support regional economic competitiveness and strengthen the foundation for long-term sustainable development in Virginia.