This blog is a place to find and share stories and resources about economic transition and community economic development work in Appalachia. You’ll find everything from personal perspectives to research reports to informational webinars. You can also contribute stories or resources from your work that you think can benefit others using the guest post option. If you’re looking for a particular post or interested in a sector or topic, you can search or sort by category in the toolbar on the right.
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In 2022, the Central Appalachian Network (CAN) had the opportunity to distribute Rapid Response Mini-Grants to fund projects for CAN Clean Energy Clean Working Group participants to advance and defend clean energy policies in Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. These are the success stories of those grants. Energy Efficient West Virginia (EEWV) is […]
PROJECT DETAILS FUNDING: In September 2022, the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund awarded High Rocks Educational Corporation a $14,630 grant as part of High Rocks’ $56,275 total investment in a solar installation. PLACEMENT: Construction on a 19-kilowatt solar array was completed in April 2023 on High Rocks’ campus by local installer Solar Holler. ENERGY SAVINGS: Its […]
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 […]
In 2022, CAN had the opportunity to distribute Rapid Response Mini-Grants to fund projects for CAN Clean Energy Clean Working Group participants to advance and defend clean energy policies in Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. These are the success stories of those grants. Rural Action is driving to a future that uplifts Appalachian […]
Build a brighter future for your nonprofit and community by powering your organization with solar energy! Adding solar panels can bring big cost savings to your bottom line. Nonprofit organizations, including homeless shelters, educational institutions, medical centers, and faith institutions, can apply for a direct grant sub-award to offset up to 20% of total project […]
PROJECT DETAILS FUNDING: The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund awarded Good Works $8,250 in October 2022, adding to a $31,755 total investment. PLACEMENT: Appalachian Renewable Power Systems (ARP Solar) donated volunteer labor, placing an 11-kW solar array on the building. ENERGY SAVINGS: Good Works’ solar installation is set to offset over half of the organization’s annual […]
Summit Five March 23, 2023 9:00AM–1:00PM EST Day Six Recording: https://youtu.be/fi5W6vPUm6Q Slides: CAN Summit 6 Slides Links & Additional Resources: USDA RFSP Application Page: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp/apply USDA RFSP March 29th Webinar: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_LJgr-SU9QTKl8cnxa8qM4A Osteopathic Heritage Foundtions website: https://osteopathicheritage.org/ Recommendations for the Farm Bill: https://action.oeffa.com/farm-bill/ Invest Appalachia Fund: https://mailchi.mp/e82dbc628291/19m-for-invest-appalachia?e=0c7badede0 Speakers We are proud to welcome a litany of […]
PROJECT DETAILS FUNDING: Moonbow at 2nd & Main was awarded $6,276 in Solar Finance Fund technical assistance cost support in June 2022. PLACEMENT: A 27-kW rooftop solar array was installed on a historic downtown building that now serves as a local event venue with on-site lodging and retail space. ENERGY SAVINGS: After their first […]
The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund (SFF) released its first impact report detailing how it is powering a new energy future across Central Appalachia. The SFF is supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative. This project is one of 57 awards across 184 coal-impacted counties, receiving a total of $46.4 million. SFF is a regional […]
Accessing working land is one of the biggest challenges for a beginning farmer. New Roots Community Farm is working to tackle this barrier through its work with the West Virginia Agrarian Commons and the Agrarian Land Trust by showcasing equitable land tenure models s. New Roots Community Farm https://www.newrootscommunityfarm.com/whoweare is a diversified, women-led farm that […]