Culture AID NOLA’s mission is to serve the culture of  New Orleans by directing no-barrier, stigma-free aid to  underserved members of the hospitality and cultural community, and to do it with  dignity, grace and compassion.

CAN launched in March 2020, as a collaborative effort between several cultural service nonprofits.  The New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and Assistance Foundation served as CAN's fiscal agent until December 31, 2020, when CAN became an independent 501c3 nonprofit.