The Center for Rural Development is accepting grant applications for the 2026 Kentucky Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) mini-grant program.
The mini-grant program (sometimes referred to as the Flex-E-Grant program) is open to qualified local units of government and non-profit entities in Carter County for capacity building planning and implementation projects.
The mini-grant program provides strategic investments in projects that build community capacity to mobilize local resources, gain leadership experience, and strengthen community institutions and networks.
Grants are subject to approval for up to $10,000, require a 20 percent match of total project costs, and are to be completed within a six-month timeframe. Mini-grant funds are available on a reimbursement basis only.
For more information or to download a request for proposal, visit https://centertech.com/arc-mini-grant-flex-e-grant/.
All grant applications and supporting documents must be submitted to The Center for Rural Development by 5 PM (EDT) on April 10, 2026. Digital files are preferred and may be emailed to arc@centertech.com.
Counties within The Center for Rural Development’s primary service area designated as economically distressed by ARC are eligible to apply for the mini-grant program. Eligible counties include Bath, Bell, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe.
For questions about the application process or program guidelines, please call 606-677-6000 or email jvanthournout@centertech.com.
The Center for Rural Development administers programs funds in partnership with the Kentucky Department for Local Government and the ARC.
