Example 1: A Café and Bakery Funding Job Training
Imagine walking into a café where every purchase helps someone rebuild their life.
That’s exactly how Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles works (Have you heard of them?). The organization supports people who were formerly gang-involved or incarcerated by providing job training, therapy, education, and employment opportunities.
And the cool part – they fund this work is through several businesses they own and operate. Everything from a café and bakery, catering services, embroidery, a grocery store, a farmers market, and even dog grooming. 🐶
When customers buy products and services from these businesses, the revenue goes back into funding the organization’s programs. But the businesses also serve another purpose – They provide real work experience and paid job training for the people they serve.
That way, participants build practical skills, gain confidence, and prepare for long-term employment – and ensure the businesses aren’t just generating revenue, but also directly advancing the nonprofit’s mission.
💡 Try This: Reflect on if there are realistic ways to further support those you serve by uplifting them in revenue-generating activities.
Example 2: A Bike Shop Supporting Youth Programs
Here’s another spin on this model: a nonprofit bike shop that helps fund youth programs. (See what I did there? 🚲)
Community Cycling Center in Portland, Oregon focuses on making cycling more accessible… all while supporting youth development and community mobility.
Here’s how it works: They operate a full-service bike shop where customers can buy bikes, parts, and gear or bring their bikes in for repairs. But THEN… the revenue generated from the shop supports the nonprofit’s programs, including youth bike camps, safety education, mechanic apprenticeships, and community mobility initiatives for families.
So ultimately, the bike shop provides a reliable source of earned income while reinforcing the organization’s mission of empowering young people and expanding access to transportation.
💡 Try this: Think about whether your nonprofit already has some kind of product, service, or community resource that people in your community might be willing to pay for.
Example 3: Events and Workshops Funding Storytelling Programs
It’s true - Not every nonprofit business looks like a café or a retail shop (nor should it). Many organizations generate revenue by sharing their knowledge, programs, or creative work with a wider audience.
One example is The Moth, a nonprofit dedicated to the art of storytelling. Their mission is to help people share personal stories that build empathy, connection, and confidence.
You might have even heard of their live storytelling events, where people take the stage and share true personal stories in front of an audience! These events are ticketed and held in cities across the country.
What you might NOT have heard is how the organization also generates revenue through storytelling workshops, books, and partnerships with schools and organizations. The income from these activities in turn helps support The Moth’s community programs, including youth storytelling initiatives and educational workshops.
Once again – we see how the same expertise that advances their mission also becomes a sustainable source of funding, bringing in revenue from people who are excited to learn from them.
💡 Try this: Think about whether your nonprofit has some expertise, training, or educational programs that others might be willing to pay to participate in.
📽️ Now, these are just a few examples - but I share more in this full video. Be sure to check it out for more inspiration!
Try it this week 🚀
Take 10 minutes this week to ask yourself one question: Does this model make sense for your mission? Jot down a few ideas that come to mind. You never know what opportunities are hiding in plain sight.
Hit Reply 💬
Have you ever considered running a business connected to your nonprofit’s mission?
