RAC Mini-Grant Proposals
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition (RAC) is seeking applications from interested businesses, organizations, government agencies, or individuals for grants and technical support for innovative coal mine land reclamation and ecological restoration projects. The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition is a group of leading organizations in the Appalachian Just Transition movement: Appalachian Voices in Virginia, Coalfield Development Corporation in West Virginia, and Rural Action in Ohio, with technical assistance from Downstream Strategies, based in West Virginia. RAC partners with coal-impacted communities in Appalachia and engage state and regional development agencies to identify post–coal mine reclamation and reuse projects with the potential to drive positive economic and social impacts.
RAC works with community partners throughout Central Appalachia and within the Central Appalachia Network’s (CAN’s) Ecological Restoration Work Group to secure and leverage funding to implement innovative projects. The goals are to: (1) fund innovative reclamation and restoration projects, (2) increase capacity to support innovative mine reclamation and restoration, and (3) support a regional “community of practice” that exemplifies the Coalition and the Working Group’s vision. Read more about the Coalition at https://reclaimingappalachia.org/ and CAN’s mission at https://www.cannetwork.org/.
RAC is supporting Appalachian states covered by CAN, including Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Ohio. Since a large amount of federal funding is becoming available for reclamation and restoration, these mini-grant funds are to seed projects and provide critical technical assistance so applicants can go after more funding.
In June of 2024, RAC will award mini grants to projects. The grant award will consist of start-up funds and/or project technical and planning assistance from Downstream Strategies. Applicants are encouraged to ask for up to $12,000 in start-up funds, which can be used by the applicant organization and/or for specific technical and planning assistance provided by Downstream Strategies. To request technical and planning assistance, applicants should email info@downstreamstrategies.com, to initiate a conversation to agree on a scope of work and funding to include in your proposal. The grants are intended to provide resources and support to turn viable land reuse concepts into fundable projects.
Applications are due by May 31st.