Rural communities in America are poised for significant investment to strengthen local economies and create long-term economic stability. In response to an unprecedented $240 million in funding requests from community lenders in the first months after opening applications, the Green Bank for Rural America (Green Bank) is accelerating their deployment of awards serving Appalachia and rural communities nationwide. These investments will support job creation, small business growth and wealth-building for families, and infrastructure and transportation development in rural communities.

The Green Bank team is expediting funding requests received from community lenders who are serving areas hardest hit by the devastation of Hurricane Helene in fall 2024. These investments will help communities rebuild, ensuring that business, local infrastructure and affordable housing, transportation, and more critical development efforts are supported.

“Rural communities have powered America’s economy for generations,” said Daniel Wallace, President & CEO of the Green Bank for Rural America. “This funding is not just another investment—it is a necessary step on the path to secure their economic future. These communities have the expertise, the workforce, and the vision. What they need is capital, and we are committed to ensuring they have the resources to build prosperous local economies for the long term.”

“Appalachian Community Capital launched the Green Bank for Rural America to expand access to capital in rural communities, ensuring they have the financial resources to create their own economic future,” said Donna Gambrell, President & CEO of Appalachian Community Capital. “The demand we’ve seen is unprecedented—rural communities are not just seeking investment, they are ready to lead. This is more than meeting immediate needs. It is about strengthening the economic foundation of rural America for the long term. The response makes it clear—these communities are taking charge, and we are committed to ensuring they have the capital to turn their vision into reality.”

A Transformational Opportunity for Rural Communities

The Green Bank’s landmark $500 million grant award will unlock up to $1.6 billion in private capital, driving investment into 2,000 projects and creating 13,000 good jobs across Appalachia and rural America. Through the Green Bank, community lenders receive not only capitalization funding but also technical assistance awards, ensuring that projects are community-driven and workforce-focused. These investments will support:

• • Small business growth and entrepreneurship

• • Workforce development and training for emerging industries

• • Infrastructure improvements, including energy and transportation

• • Wealth-building strategies that keep financial resources local

The Green Bank for Rural America encourages community lenders to apply now to access this game-changing opportunity.

To learn more or apply, visit our Awards for Community Lenders page.