Persistent poverty rbcs rcap grants to appalachian regional commission- BI

The Appalachian Regional Commission received a $315,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services under the Rural Development Cooperative Agreement Program (CFDA 10.890) on September 26, 2025. This award supports the Persistent Poverty RBCS RCAP (Rural Cooperative Agreement Program) initiative and carries a performance period extending through September 26, 2027. The grant funds evaluation and technical assistance activities designed to assess the impact of Rural Development's grants and loan programs on regional food supply chains and economic development within persistent poverty areas of Appalachia.

Through this funding, the Appalachian Regional Commission delivers regional economic planning, technical assistance for rural business cooperatives, capacity building initiatives, and strategic support for rural community infrastructure development. The two-year performance cycle allows for sustained engagement in addressing persistent poverty reduction and supporting rural economic development objectives within the Appalachian region, with ultimate beneficiaries located in eligible rural areas.