Nonprofit Organizations and Green Social Enterprises

Nonprofit organizations that wish to create a for-profit venture have a unique opportunity to engage themselves heavily in the green industry.  Nonprofit organizations can develop small businesses that focus on creating a green economy not only to provide an extra revenue system, but also to help create a green planet.  It's a win-win situation for everyone and an option that nonprofits, new and old, should consider.

By creating a social enterprise that focuses on environmental issues, a nonprofit organization can go beyond simply fulfilling its mission.  Depending on the type of small business created, the social enterprise could become an employer and producer of green products.  Thus, creating a revenue generating stream that will benefit the nonprofit organization and also assisting with the preservation of our environment. 

Nonprofit Organizations that establish environmentally motivated businesses create a triple bottom line for their brand.  Not only will the public recognize the organization for its nonprofit works and additions to the community, but they will also be recognized for the environmental and economic sustainability that their profit-making subsidiary offers.  And while the argument for controlling climate change and environmental resources increase, the need for social enterprises whose goal is to tackle those issues will increase as well.  Today's social climate has created the perfect storm for those nonprofits who seek to expand their impact on society and also rely less on foundation and government grant support.

Many social enterprises choose to provide services that include the creation of renewable energy, recycling and reusing, transportation efficiency, land conservation and education and awareness.  Good Will Industries is a perfect example of a nonprofit agency that has established a social enterprise that allows individuals to recycle and reuse items.  This company was promoting a green social enterprise before it was even popular.  Good Will's mission is to decrease poverty barriers and limitations with the opportunity to work.  They fund a lot of their organization's mission through goodwill retail stores that are dispersed all across the country.  Many of you have probably donated or purchased items from these stores before. 

This nonprofit- green concept has become so popular that organizations such as Echoing Green offer 12-15 individuals or partnerships a fellowship each year.  These fellows are offered up to $90,000 in seed money and technical assistance to develop and implement their green ideas into sustainable social change organizations.  There is also plenty of help that came with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that offered an energy and jobs bill.  Nonprofits are in a prime position to compete for these local, state and federal grants that allow for the creation and development of green job training programs.

There is also a harsh reality that is establishing itself.  As the green movement gains more momentum and imbeds itself more into the global culture and psyche, organizations will have to establish themselves as green to even be considered credible.  This is regardless of the primary focus of the nonprofit organization.  Nonprofits should take note of this trend and capitalize on it. 
As always let me know what you think.

Photo courtesy of : extremegreenkids.org