BrownCAN Community-Engaged Alumni Network logo in brown and red colored fontJust as Brown students expect to develop and apply their skills and knowledge on issues that matter to them and their communities, Brown alumni continue to seek out the same once they leave College Hill. With the Brown Community-Engaged Alumni Network (BrownCAN), alumni can find rewarding opportunities to give back to their communities.

BrownCAN seeks to maximize the positive impact of Brunonia by connecting alumni with community-based public and social sector organizations. Alumni can search for volunteer opportunities that best leverage their experience, skills, and passions and support organizations with missions that align with their passions or interests.

A new initiative from the Office of Alumni Relations and the Swearer Center, BrownCAN not only curates community service opportunities for alumni but also provides resources and guidance to help identify and respond to community needs in their own area.

Available Opportunities

Initially, BrownCAN will offer opportunities specific to Providence and surrounding communities in Rhode Island as part of Brown’s larger commitment to productive engagement and partnership with the city and state. Eventually, BrownCAN aims to expand nationally and even globally, providing tools and resources to foster collaborations between alumni and organizations that address pressing community-identified needs and make a positive impact throughout the world. 

Opportunities for engagement will vary on community need, ranging from traditional volunteer roles such as helping at a school or food pantry to time-constrained consultant roles such as advising on fundraising plans, marketing campaigns, legal matters, or nonprofit management.

BrownCan engagement opportunities will range in focus depending on community need and may include:

  • data and evaluation 
  • grant writing and management
  • financial advising and management
  • fundraising
  • legal
  • marketing and communications
  • nonprofit management/board affairs

How to Get Started with BrownCAN

Interested in participating or learning more?

Sign up to receive BrownCAN news and opportunities

Fill out interest form

Search for BrownCAN opportunities on the BrownEngage portal

Go to BrownEngage