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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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 […]
Imagine the sun doing double duty on your farm by growing your agricultural products while also powering your equipment and infrastructure. Installing solar power solutions is a bonus for your bottom line. Get direct funding & assistance for your farm’s solar projects The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund https://solarfinancefund.org/index.php/how-it-works/ jump-starts emerging local solar markets in Central […]
Summit Five January 26, 2023 9:00AM–1:00PM EST Day Five Recording: https://youtu.be/l3Dsd63S6AA Slides: CAN Summit 5 Slides Links & Additional Resources: “Food as Medicine: Current Efforts and Potential Opportunities” testimony before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research: https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/hearings/food-as-medicine-current-efforts-and-potential-opportunities Appalachian Harvest Food Hub: https://www.asdevelop.org/programs-resources/food-hub/ Appalachian Harvest Herb Hub: https://www.asdevelop.org/programs-resources/herbhub/ […]
PROJECT DETAILS FUNDING: $14,064 in July 2022. This gift covered a quarter of the church’s total investment toward the project. PLACEMENT: A 31-kW solar array was installed on the 60-year-old church’s roof. IMPACT: The efforts in solar have provided lasting opportunities for the church to engage in “green ministry” by reducing its ecological footprint. COST […]
Solar power is bringing jobs and aiding a just transition for southern West Virginia communities thanks to a generous federal grant award. The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund (SFF) is proud to be part of the Appalachian Climate Technologies (ACT Now) Coalition’s RePower Appalachia initiative! This historic West Virginia-based coalition won a $62.8 million grant award […]
Summit Four October 27, 2022 9:00AM–1:00PM EST Day Four Recording: https://youtu.be/7oFSRn5E3RU Slides: https://www.cannetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/CAN-Summit-4-Slides.pdf Summit Four Jamboard: https://www.cannetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/CAN-Summit-4-Jamboard.pdf Links & Additional Resources: NIFA Listens Stakeholder Input Opportunity on 11/02: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-listens-2022 GusNIP Program Page: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/hunger-food-security-programs/gus-schumacher-nutrition-incentive-program 2022 GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program RFA: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/gusnip-nutrition-incentive-program 2022 GusNIP Produce Prescription Program RFA: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/gus-schumacher-nutrition-incentive-program-produce-prescription 2022 RFA Webinars: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/gusnip-webinars FAQs: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/gusnip-faqs KP&P Survey for ARC […]