We are excited to introduce you to Tanya Torp, our new Equity Coordinator. Tanya will help to analyze the existing structure and policies of the Network, conduct a Network assessment, develop an Equity Plan for CAN, and educate Network Leadership. Tanya is a Keynote speaker, workshop leader, and facilitator versed in a wide range of […]
A New Economy Rising in Appalachia: Harnessing Network Collaboration for Community-led Development The Central Appalachian Network is pleased to release this white paper which explains why and how CAN why and how CAN exists to meet the economic and wellness needs of Central Appalachia. Dig in to read more! About this Document This white paper […]
The Central Appalachian Network seeks to deepen its engagement in justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (JEDIA) work to improve the lived experience of marginalized people (e.g. people of color; gender-expansive individuals; queer individuals; disabled individuals) and marginalized communities across Central Appalachia. This work will require analyzing the existing structure and policies of the Network, […]
Are you passionate about advancing an equitable, just, and sustainable transition in Central Appalachia? We are looking for a team member who: 🧩has a strong commitment to excellence 🧩is accountable in one’s work, impact, and collaboration 🧩has confidence that is balanced with humility, flexibility, and a sense of humor 🧩 calm, professional demeanor in situations […]
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition (RAC) is seeking applications from interested businesses, organizations, government agencies, or individuals for grants and technical support for innovative coal mine land reclamation and ecological restoration projects. The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition is a group of leading organizations in the Appalachian Just Transition movement: Appalachian Voices in Virginia, Coalfield Development Corporation in […]
Solar Finance Fund (SFF) had a brilliant year! SFF catalyzes solar development in local communities by providing competitive grant sub-awards, technical assistance and credit enhancements to help nonprofits, public institutions and small businesses go solar. The resulting projects create jobs, spur business growth, attract investment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, retain local wealth and increase resilience […]
The Appalachian Regional Commission is providing $498,300 to CAN! This will help to further our implementation plans, working group action plans, rural economic development, and more! Since January 2023, ARC has awarded $46.8 million to 13 projects impacting 12 Appalachian states through its ARISE initiative. These projects will expand broadband, educate workers in emerging sectors, […]
We are pleased to announce that our Regional Peer to Peer Convening will be taking place in Huntington, WV this year on April 2nd-4th. Some of our goals are to expand our relationships, advance the development of best practices in community development, inform and advance collaborative regional strategies, and to cultivate accessible peer-to-peer sharing and […]
The US government’s largest single investment in the Appalachian food system just hit our region. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $42 million in Central Appalachia to support food and farm businesses with market entry and strengthen existing connections with urban markets through increased efficiency in aggregation and distribution, meaning food and farm […]
With a new design, the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund website is ready to catalyze solar development in coal-impacted communities across Central Appalachia. The new site design offers a refreshed application page to help an organization determine if they qualify for a grant and a graphic impacts page showing this impressive program’s reach. Make sure to […]
PROJECT DETAILS FUNDING: Marion County Humane Society received a grant from the Solar Finance Fund totaling over $29,000. PLACEMENT: Solar Holler installed a 158-panel solar system onto the roof of the new building, which should be complete by May 2023. It will generate 57 kilowatts of electricity for the shelter. IMPACT: By saving money on […]