Valley Clean Air Now a Grassroots Success Story
Valley Clean Air Now (VCAN) seeks to fight for the residents of the Mon Valley who continue to suffer from severe health, economic, climate, and environmental injustice by galvanizing the community to take action through local politics, grassroots organizing, community building, education, and community health initiatives. VCAN reached out to Liberate X for strategic planning after two grassroots groups came together to form VCAN in 2019. Since that time VCAN has implemented its strategic planning becoming an independent 501-C3, implemented a pilot program installing air filters in 236 homes, and raised over $305,000 in grant funding.
In 2019 VCAN had no identity, entity or programs to enact the shared vision of its founding members. Community members were concerned about the pollution levels in the Mon Valley and were looking for a vehicle that would provide them with the space to accomplish their goals. Liberate X hosted and led the community planning sessions to create a 5 year strategic plan for the organization. Once completed Liberate X wrote a grant on behalf of VCAN allowing them to complete their first pilot program in 2021 with a $50,000 grant. Following the success of the pilot Liberate X wrote a larger proposal for an additional $305,000 in funding for the organization in 2023.
Valley Clean Air Now is able to hire staff, run programming, and meet their goals due to the ongoing partnership and organizational support Liberate X provides to VCAN. Through hosting weekly meetings, grant writing, and marketing support Liberate X provided VCAN with the support to foster the growth of the organization.
