Coalfield Development
Model & Strategy
Coalfield Development is a West Virginia 501(c)3 focused on ending the intergenerational cycle of poverty in Appalachia by rebuilding the region’s economy from the ground up. Coalfield’s mission is to promote economic development and create jobs for chronically unemployed residents, most of whom are in the coal industry. Coal companies owned, and then abandoned, not just the coal mines, but much of the state’s infrastructure. Coalfield oversees a family of social enterprises that pioneer new and viable economic markets in the region, while simultaneously providing a holistic model of direct employment, formal education, and personal development training.
Brandon Dennison, the Founder and CEO of Coalfield Development, was born and raised in southern West Virginia. In college, Brandon became a Youth Director for a progressive faith group through and experiential learning trips across the US and the world. On his final service trip in West Virginia, Brandon was struck by an interaction with two men who approached the volunteers who were working on home repairs asking the volunteers for work. Through these experiences, Brandon recognized how much need there is in his own backyard, and after graduate school, he returned to West Virginia to launch Coalfield Development.
Brandon attended college at Shepherd University in West Virginia and received a Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management with a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from Indiana University. He has received many awards and honors including the 2015 JM Kaplan Social Innovation Prize, the 2014 Diehl Family Social Enterprise Competition, and was named a 40 under 40 leaders nationwide who are making their mark on the nonprofit world by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Impact
$15 million in new investment attracted to southern West Virginia with over 160 new jobs created and more than 40 new businesses started in southern West Virginia.
Over 800 professional certifications facilitated for formerly unemployed people, and messaging about new sustainable economy reaching over 15 million people on a global scale.
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RT @RCBI4Mfg: Mark Oct. 19 on your calendar and join us as @UFI_Inc the @WVDeptofAg, @RCBI4Mfg & others present Local by Local, a free food…
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RT @Enterprise_KIS: Did you see... Resilient Economies and Economic Security in Rural Communities -- Part 4 of @EnterpriseNow 's new 5-part…
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Thank you for your support in what we do. We believe in our mission, and our crew members to make a great change in… https://t.co/EJVOnHr44I
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SustainU Clothing offers recycled clothing and a more sustainable way to wear your favorite MLB team. They even off… https://t.co/EqgcHXJrdH
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From gorgeous cutting boards, to amazing state cut-out wall hangings. Saws Edge Woodshop has beautiful craftsmanshi… https://t.co/FdjMMlUps4
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In spirit of National Non-Profit Day, we will be highlighting our amazing social enterprises. You can order fresh p… https://t.co/QgX11wbWle
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It's August 17th, which means it's National Nonprofit Day! National Nonprofit Day & Causes recognizes the goals and… https://t.co/ZLaPcWx3Dq
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RT @Enterprise_KIS: Just Released! Resilient Economies and Economic Security in Rural Communities -- Part 4 of @EnterpriseNow 's new 5-part…
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Last year, a couple of our Crew Members were interviewed by people looking for a better understanding of how the wo… https://t.co/aOx1fGBDi4
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RT @RefreshAppalach: Love our produce? Order it now! Local pickup locations in Huntington, Charleston, and multiple locations in Greenbrier…
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RT @ARCgov: A movement to tackle generational poverty in #WestVirginia isn't being led by an elected official or celebrity. Change is happe…
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Check out these beautiful tomatoes from Wayne Co. Refresh Appalachia! We'd love a few for our salads.... 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅… https://t.co/WWg8gxbl3Z
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Appalachian places and people unlocking their full potential, power, and purpose. Together, we are rebuilding the A… https://t.co/MhRmS77cvT
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We post on our Instagram photos from our events, crew members, and more! Follow us 📸https://t.co/KRd0JgJ8S7… https://t.co/pz09KlpLSg
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We had important conversations about creativity, community, and collaboration at the Creative Economy: ABBBA worksh… https://t.co/xAwmJNZICL
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Incubating And Growing Employment-Based Social Enterprises- We wholly or partially own a family of employment-based… https://t.co/RCCYXXdCMu
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RT @UFI_Inc: Join us for Huntington Entrepreneurship Meetup on Thursday, August 22nd at The Progress Building! Please share with your netwo…
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Looking for a new home with easy accessibility? Now leasing NEW one and two bedroom apartments that are handicap ac… https://t.co/0pySB6I257