Since 1992 we have worked on job creation, economic drivers, and supporting rural communities in our region.
How We Work
CAN is a network of practitioners across economic sectors in Central Appalachia with particularly significant representation of non-profit organizations. CAN is changing and moving from a model where participation has consisted almost solely of nonprofit organizations to instead have specific spaces, points of engagement, and participation opportunities for practitioners in a variety of fields. One of the most significant values for all participants in CAN is the opportunity for peer-to-peer learning. By design, peers are broadly defined within CAN as those whose participation provides an opportunity for mutual teaching and learning.
As a network of nonprofit organizations, CAN works primarily in six states: Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, and West Virginia. Multi-state collaboration allows for a regional view of the current needs and future trajectories of the Central Appalachian economy, enabling strategic focus on large-scale goals that make both deep local impacts and broad regional impacts. Our participant and mentor organizations employ a variety of strategies that help to strengthen communities and economies.
CAN is currently exploring new ways of working that connect and strengthen the region to build shared analysis and strategies. To this end, CAN will continue to support sector or issue-focused networks, Working Groups, and learning groups that bring in regional partners and supporters to take part in shared learning and strategizing, with the possibility of deeper shared work.
CAN Leadership Retreat 2024
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 creating economic opportunities, building on our cultural assets, natural resources, and meeting the needs of our region’s people.
CAN also supports organizational development, capacity-building, and peer mentoring among the region’s nonprofits and community groups. We do this through peer networking activities, and sharing of tools and resources.
Our Mission, Goals, & Strategies
