Working for a more just and sustainable Appalachia.
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN)’s mission is to develop and deploy economic strategies that build wealth in local communities, conserve natural and cultural resources, and empower marginalized communities. We work in collaboration across sectors, partnering with other non-profits, community groups, funders, educational institutions, local government, and private business. CAN actively pursues economic transition in Central Appalachian communities through a variety of economic sectors and market-based strategies, and currently focuses on:
How We Work
CAN is a network of networks, anchored by a Steering Committee of 7 non-profit organizations. CAN’s sector-focused networks coordinate regional analysis and strategies in areas like Food & Ag, Clean Energy, and Creative Placemaking. Our network of practitioner partners includes over 50 different organizations working on community economic development, including non-profits, local government agencies, lenders, community groups, social enterprises, and academic institutions. CAN’s roles include supporting peer-to-peer learning, collaborative strategies, organizational capacity-building, cross-sector partnership, demonstration projects, in-person convening, and field-building research & publications.
Events & Happenings
There is a lot happening across our region every day! To help share, promote, and keep track of all the activities CAN partners are involved in, use this shared calendar to share information about your upcoming events and learn about other happenings.
Stories & Resources
The Solar Finance Fund Awarded $1.5M by the ARC’s POWER Initiative
The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund is a new project to catalyze commercial & institutional solar projects in coal-impacted communities throughout […]
Read MoreIn StoriesHelp Wanted: Finance Director at Rural Action
Rural Action is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Director. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the […]
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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
We're proud recipients of a 2021 Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative award!
Our project, the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund, is one of 57 awards across 184 coal-impacted counties receiving a total of $46.4 million. Our team will partner with the Central Appalachian Network, Partner Community Capital, Invest Appalachia and New Resource Solutions to catalyze commercial and institutional #solar projects in coal-impacted communities throughout Central Appalachia.
Rural Action, Coalfield Development Corporation, and other partners are turning waste into wealth through an Appalachian ReUse corridor, which is featured in this article from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
How The ReUse Corridor is Creating Wealth From Waste in Appalachia
ilsr.org
The role of the ReUse Corridor has been to reverse the traditional linear investment in solid waste management that drains the potential resources of the Appalachian Region. Centered on the eight coun...
Exciting news for WV!
wvexplorer.com/2020/12/21/new-river-gorge-national-park/?fbclid=IwAR3HXDgMh4y3LbmmMI7XKqpuabZq8wg...
New River Gorge in W.Va. to be designated national park - West Virginia Explorer
wvexplorer.com
The New River Gorge National River in southern West Virginia is set to become a national park, accordng to Congress members Moore, Manchin, and Capito.