Strengthening the Community Sector: Thriving Non-Profits in NL
The Office to Advance Women Apprentices faced a common dilemma in the nonprofit sector: how to generate revenue while staying true to their mission. For fifteen years, they had never charged admission to their annual gala. But after participating in the Thriving Non-Profits (TNP) program – a comprehensive revenue diversification education program – they took a new approach: introducing ticket sales while maintaining accessibility through special rates for apprentices.
The result? Over $9,000 in new revenue from tickets and sponsorships – money that will directly support their mission of increasing employment opportunities for women in skilled trades.
This transformation exemplifies the impact of the TNP program, brought to Newfoundland and Labrador through a partnership between the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CFNL), Community Sector Council of NL (CSCNL), Scale Collaborative, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
A New Approach to Financial Sustainability
“After reading hundreds of grant applications, we consistently saw revenue diversification as a major challenge for local organizations,” explains Nicole Dawe, Executive Director of CFNL. “We recognized that in addition to funding, our sector needed capacity-building support to create sustainable revenue strategies. We’re really grateful to be part of the partnership that brought this solution to the province after seeing other Community Foundations’ success with this program across the country.”
The program’s first Newfoundland and Labrador cohort brought together eleven diverse organizations from across the province, from animal welfare advocates to historical societies, each grappling with the challenge of financial sustainability. Over six months, participants explored nine revenue diversification strategies: social enterprise, donations, grants, fee for service, events, leverage, contracts, partnerships, and assets. The program was developed by Scale Collaborative and was delivered in NL with the Community Sector Council of NL through its Social Innovation Lab.
For the Trinity Historical Society, founded in 1964 to safeguard the area’s heritage, the program sparked a major shift in perspective. “The exposure to the various topics has facilitated ‘out of the box’ thinking for new revenue opportunities rather than simply maintaining the status quo,” shares Sharon Jeans, Secretary-Director. The Society now views its historical assets not just as artifacts to protect, but as resources that could generate lasting income to support their mission.
Nicole Holland, Regional Tourism Development Officer at Green Bay Regional Tourism Association, found the program transformative for their new organization. “The program has proven itself to be an invaluable resource to secure the best practices in moving us forward not only with strength but sustainability,” she shares. This growth was supported by the program’s one-on-one coaching component, where experienced mentors helped translate learning into action.
Building Resilient Futures
“We are in awe of the impact Thriving Non-Profits has had on our inaugural cohort, but it does not just end at the organization level,” reflects Colin Corcoran, CEO of CSCNL. “These organizations have validated the need to invest in the capacity of our sector by expanding their revenue generation toolbox with a view of financial sustainability. By building a more resilient community sector which can take better control of its resources, we can respond to changes in demand and contribute to more vibrant communities. Instead of doing more with less, how can we get to doing enough with enough? That is the question we at CSCNL are actively exploring, including what comes next for positive sector transformation.”
Key Takeaways for Community Leaders
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Looking Ahead
Congratulations to the first NL Cohort of Thriving Non-Profits. We can’t wait to see the community impact that will grow from your investment to strengthen your financial sustainability. With the success of the first cohort, plans are already underway for future programs. Stay tuned to CSCNL for more.
“We know that many organizations in the community sector are seeking to increase their capacity,” said the Hon. Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology. “The Thriving Non-Profits Program has helped organizations explore different revenue-diversification strategies through workshops and coaching sessions. Participants finished the program with an organizational action plan for revenue diversification. This plan will allow the organizations to operate more strategically and confidently, strengthening their resiliency. The Provincial Government recognizes the indispensable value the community sector provides, and my department was proud to partner on this important project.”
Through the Thriving Non-Profits program, these partners are helping create a future where community organizations can focus less on survival and more on impact. As the first cohort graduates and new organizations prepare to begin their journey, one thing is clear: Newfoundland and Labrador’s community sector is embracing a new way of thinking about revenue generation, impact, and community service. You can read the full Impact Report on the positive difference this initiative is making here.
The first NL cohort of the Thriving Non-Profits Program was funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and CFNL’s Community Fund. The Community Fund allows CFNL to support communities across the province to respond to pressing challenges and opportunities. You can learn more about donating to the Community Fund or becoming a fund holder that supports the Community Fund here.
Collaborations bring incredible value to our community. Learn more about the partners:
Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Check out Thriving Non-Profits to see how it can support your organization or region.