Working for a more just and sustainable Appalachia.
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN) works to advance the equitable, just, and sustainable economic transition of Central Appalachia. By maximizing the impact of their collective work, we can all create resilient, diverse, and inclusive communities throughout our region. Explore how you can connect with Central Appalachian Network (CAN).
CLEAN ENERGYeCOLOGICAL RESTORATIONREUSE bEGINNING FARMERFOOD ACCESSFOOD Processing, Ag, & Dist (PAD)
How We Work
CAN is a network of networks led by a Leadership Team comprising a cohort of mentor organizations alongside the co-chairs of each Working Group. The Working Groups are sector-focused networks that coordinate regional analysis and strategies in areas such as Clean Energy; Food and Sustainable Agricultural Systems; Reuse (Materials management and circular economy); and Ecological Restoration. The larger Central Appalachian Network includes the participants of these sector-based Working Groups, along with an open invitation to those that wish to engage CAN in their own work and community.
Our network of practitioner partners includes nearly 100 different organizations working on community economic development, including nonprofits, local government agencies, lenders, community groups, social enterprises, and academic institutions. These networks are leading the charge in transitioning Central Appalachia’s economy by creating economic opportunities that are environmentally sustainable, building on our cultural assets and natural resources, and meeting the needs of our region’s people.
CAN News
Learn about the latest opportunities to connect with what’s happening in central Appalachia.
Stories & Resources
CAN Mini-Grant Funding is Laying the Groundwork for a More Just Energy Transition
In 2022, the Central Appalachian Network (CAN) had the opportunity to distribute Rapid Response Mini-Grants to fund projects for CAN […]
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SFF Success Story: High Rocks Educational Corporation
PROJECT DETAILS FUNDING: In September 2022, the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund awarded High Rocks Educational Corporation a $14,630 grant as […]
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"Capacity building isn’t limited to local communities. Regionally, the Central Appalachian Network provides space for like-minded organizations to coordinate projects across state lines and to participate in regional sector development strategies, accessing federal funding for large-scale initiatives related to local and regional food systems, clean energy development, waste reduction and workforce development. They help grow organizational capacity through peer learning, mentorship and shared resources." ACEnet is honored to have been a member of CAN since its inception in 1992! To read more of Tom Barkin's speech, A Unique Moment for Small Towns:
www.richmondfed.org/press_room/speeches/thomas_i_barkin/2022/barkin_speech_20220330
A Unique Moment for Small Towns
www.richmondfed.org
President Tom Barkin discusses pools of funding available to small towns, the barriers these communities face in accessing funding, and explores potential solutions to these barriers.
Super grateful to have been able to host folx from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Central Appalachian Network on a tour of our space yesterday!
Special thanks to Gayle Manchin and her staff for coming to see the work we've been doing!
#community #makerspaces #ruralmakers #appalachia
CAN's Clean Energy Working Group requests proposals for rapid-response mini-grants that fund policy advocacy projects from nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian portions of Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. See the RFP below.
CAN CEWG Rapid Response Mini-grant Fund 2022.docx
docs.google.com
The Central Appalachian Network’s Clean Energy Working Group requests proposals for rapid-response mini-grants that fund policy advocacy projects from nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian port...
Too many viable, impactful solar projects in Central Appalachia are currently stymied by financial and regulatory hurdles. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
This week, the Appalachian Regional Commission announced a grant for the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund, a project to unlock the economic and clean energy potential of solar energy at commercial and institutional sites like schools, businesses, fire and rescue stations, and more across our region.
Through the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund, Appalachian Voices will partner with the Central Appalachian Network, Partner Community Capital, Invest Appalachia and New Resource Solutions to accelerate solar development and economic growth in the region. #ClimateResilience #SolarPower #JustTransition #sustainableAppalachia #CleanEnergy #solar