Letters of Intent February 16. The federal Appalachian Regional Commission works in partnership with 13 states to promote economic growth where one-fourth of the region’s 423 counties are rural. The INSPIRE initiative supports the post-treatment to employment continuum, which could include investments in healthcare networks that support substance use disorder recovery, recovery-focused job training programs, and other initiatives that coordinate these efforts. Successful INSPIRE grant applications will demonstrate the potential for individuals in recovery to obtain and maintain stable employment, with a focus on support services and training opportunities that lead to successful entry and re-entry into the workforce. Letters of Intent are required by February 16, 2024. The deadline for final applications is March 8, 2024. Award announcements are anticipated to be made in September 2024.