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
A Fair Food System: Community Food Systems Summit Series in Central Appalachia
A community food system is a complex system in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution and consumption are integrated to […]
Read MoreIn Food systemsAppalachian Voices Seeks New Economy Field Coordinator
New Economy Field Coordinator Posted on January 26, 2022 About Appalachian Voices Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that […]
Read MoreIn StoriesMore posts by topic:
Clean Energy Creative Placemaking Food systems Guest Post Healthy Food Access Policy Publication Public Health Research Stories Value ChainsGet social on
"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