Enterprising Non-Profits (enp) Program Overview
enp is a funding program that provides matching grants to non-profit organizations in BC who are interested in starting or expanding a business. The program was established in 1997 in response to requests by organizations for support in the development of revenue-generating enterprises, as a way to stabilize and diversify their funding base, and enhance their programs or services. enp program funding enables organizations to conduct planning activities related to the development of a business venture.
Program Goals
- To support non-profit organizations to develop enterprises that are linked with their charitable mandate and contribute to organizational sustainability
- To increase the capacity of non-profit organizations to improve socioeconomic conditions in their communities through the creation of employment or training opportunities and/or enhanced program provision
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for funding, an organization must:
- be a non-profit organization, although funds must go through a registered charitable organization
- have its base, activities and benefits in British Columbia
- attend an orientation session.
Application Process
The enp program accepts grant applications two times per year, in spring and fall. To apply for funding, organizations are required to attend a one-day orientation session. Orientation sessions are hosted at least twice per year. Grant application forms are made available to participants during the session. Organizations that do not apply for funding directly following the orientation session they attend are eligible to submit grant applications in subsequent funding cycles.
Grant application deadlines and upcoming orientation sessions (including registration information) are listed on the enp calendar.
The Orientation Session
The development of revenue-generating enterprises is challenging. Non-profit organizations need to have significant organizational capacity and an understanding of the realities and risks before embarking on an enterprise initiative. The orientation session is required of prospective participants to ensure that staff and board members have a thorough understanding of the issues involved in enterprise development.
The orientation session includes:
- a discussion on the nature and types of non-profit and social enterprises
- a discussion of legal and structural implications, including Revenue Canada guidelines, in regards to charities and enterprises
- a overview of key factors of success in non-profit enterprise, including organizational and business development issues, and key risks and realities
- presentations by representatives of existing enterprising non-profits
- discussion of business ideas of participating organizations
- an overview of the enp program history, initiatives funded by the program, program guidelines and application process
- a discussion of next steps, including tips for finding a consultant, review of resources available, and general question and answer
The cost of attending the Orientation Session is $100 for one individual and $150 for two. Included in the cost are breakfast, lunch and coffee / snack service, a copy of the Canadian Social Enterprise Guide, and the content described above. The orientation session typically runs from 9:00am until 4:30pm. Start times may vary in rural areas to allow for longer driving times.
Funding Available
The enp program provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to between 15 and 20 organizations annually. Organizations must commit matching funds for the business and/or organizational development process. Matching funds can be cash or in-kind.
Activities Funded
enp grants are to be used to pay for professional fees of a consultant or resource person and/or staff costs and resources directly related to business planning and organizational development activities. Participating organizations will have flexibility to use the matching grant in the way most effective for them.
Business Development:
Planning and research activities to support the development or expansion of a business venture, such as:
- business plan development
- market research studies and/or marketing plans
- business feasibility studies
Organizational Development:
These activities must be in relation to the preparation, launch or expansion of a business venture, such as:
- activities aimed at building organizational understanding and support for change
- facilitation of staff/board development related to specific issues of business management
- development of plans in specific areas such as: staffing/management, strategic planning, risk management and financial management
- development of new policies, procedures, systems and tools for management of the business
Proposal Assessment Criteria
The funding partners will use the following criteria to assess proposals:
- the proposed enterprise is clearly related to the charitable mandate of the organization
- the proposed enterprise contributes to community through employment creation, training opportunities and/or enhanced program provision
- evidence the organization (including the board of directors) has begun initial organizational assessment and/or business planning processes
- the proposal demonstrates: i) the business has the potential to generate revenue and ii) the organization has identified a potential market for the business's products and/or services.
- commitment from the organization's board of directors to pursue business/enterprise activities
- commitment of matching dollars (cash and in-kind) for the program grant (Matching dollars should be allocated to the business planning and organizational development process, not business implementation or operations.)
- evidence that the organization has the capacity and the willingness to commit /secure additional funds to implement the enterprise once a viable plan is in place
- designated staff person or persons to the initiative
Other Potential Funding Resources