ARC and Partners Fund the Rural Hope Initiative
In September 2011, the NC Appalachian Regional Commission along with three other funding partners and three key partners announced $6.5 million to fund a third round of the Rural Hope Initiative.
Launched in 2009, the Rural Hope initiative makes grants and loans for projects that will create jobs in health care through the construction and renovation of health care facilities or the purchase of health care equipment while also improving the availability and quality of health care services in rural communities. During the first two years, the painters awarded $10 million to 67 projects across the state, resulting in 803 new jobs and leveraging a total of $224 million in private and public funds.
The Rural Hope funders have adopted a cooperative application process. Pre-applications, a required first step, will be accepted through November 7, 2011 . The partners will then invite competitive projects to submit full applications. Final award determinations will be made in February of 2012.
Further details are available on the N.C. Rural Center’s website, www.ncruralcenter.org.
Funding and Key Partners:
Golden LEAF Foundation
Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund
N.C. Office of Rural Health and Community Care
N.C. Rural Economic Development Center
USDA Office of Rural Development