SOUTHERN TIER WEST REGIONAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD
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Appalachain Regional Commission Funding​(ARC)

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership among federal, state, and local governments. Local participation is coordinated through multi-county Local Development Districts (LDDs). Southern Tier West serves as the designated LDD for Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties.

Each year, Southern Tier West solicits grant proposals for regionally significant projects through ARC's Area Development Program. Priority is given to projects that advance the goals and objectives of the Appalachian Regional Commission while aligning with at least one of New York State's ARC implementing strategies for investing federal funding within the region.

Southern Tier West welcomes project proposals from municipalities and nonprofit organizations serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. The Southern Tier West team provides individualized technical assistance throughout the application process, helping applicants develop competitive proposals that meet program eligibility requirements and demonstrate measurable outcomes supporting both ARC's strategic priorities and New York State's economic and community development goals.

​Applicants are encouraged to work closely with Southern Tier West to refine project concepts and strengthen their applications. Technical assistance includes guidance on program development, partnership opportunities, grant writing, matching fund requirements, letters of support, project budgets, and other application components.

Each year, ARC invests in hundreds of projects throughout the Appalachian Region. Funding supports initiatives in areas such as business development, education and workforce training, broadband and communications, infrastructure, community development, rural healthcare, asset-based economic development, leadership development, and organizational capacity building.

2026 Area Development Grant Program

Application Materials
  • ARC Grant Nuts & Bolts FY2027​
  • Letter of Intent Form​​
Pre-Application Materials
  • Budget Narrative Template (Excel format)
  • Non-Construction Application Template
  • Workplan Template​​
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Goals

  • ​Economic Opportunities
    Entrepreneurial and business development strategies​
  • Ready Workforce
    Education, knowledge, skills and health or residents to work and succeed in Appalachia
  • Critical Infrastructure
    Broadband, water and wastewater systems
  • Building Regional Culture & Tourism
    Leveraging the Region's natural and cultural heritage assets
  • Leadership & Community Capacity
    ​​​Build the capacity and skills of current and next-generation leaders and organizations to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development

Eligible Projects

  • Eligible projects must be consistent with one of ARC's Investment Goals.
  • ​Eligible entities include incorporated non-for-profits, municipalities (towns, villages counties) and other public entities such as IDAs and educational institutions in the member counties
  • Eligible maximum amount funded: $150,000
  • Funds must be matched at least dollar per dollar with cash and/or in-kind goods or services depending upon the type of proposal
  • Funds must be used for new activities/programs, or for an expansion of activities/programs
  • Funding of existing programs is not an eligible expense
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Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board
Center for Regional Excellence
4039 Route 219, Suite 200
Salamanca, NY 14779


​​[email protected] | 716-945-5301

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​January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day
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