Impressive number of Basin non-profits to receive assistance

Seven local non-profits to benefit from Enterprising Non-profits support

Representatives from non-profit organizations attend an Enterprising Non-profits workshop, three of which will be held in the Columbia Basin in April 2011. — Photo courtesy Columbia Basin Trust

Seven non-profit organizations located in the Columbia Basin will be receiving assistance from Enterprising Non-profits (ENP) for social enterprise projects. The funding for these seven projects comes to just over 25 per cent of all funding ENP is currently distributing in British Columbia.

ENP is a partnership of funders—including Columbia Basin Trust (CBT)—that promotes and supports social enterprise development and growth as a means to build strong non-profit organizations and healthier communities. Through CBT's partnership with ENP, Basin non-profit organizations are able to access technical support in building business ventures that help them further their objectives and be more financially sustainable.

"This is the highest number of Basin non-profits to receive assistance since CBT has partnered on this program," said Aimee Ambrosone, CBT manager, planning and development. "We are excited that so many non-profits will get assistance in assessing the feasibility of their projects or helping their social enterprises tackle the next step in their development. The number of projects funded, and overall quality of projects, is a good indication that we are meeting a community need."

David LePage, program manager of ENP, explained that, "it was CBT's contribution to the ENP program that was the single reason we were able to expand and target our grants and services to the area, and now local communities are beginning to realize the positive impact."

The seven non-profit organizations receiving grants are:

• Burton Community Co-op;
• Community Connections Society of Southeast BC;
• Nelson CARES Society;
• South Kootenay Lake Community Services Society;
• Village Arts Society (Invermere);
• West Kootenay Women's Association; and
• St. Mary's Band Administration.

The next application deadline for ENP is May 26, 2011. Non-profits wishing to apply must attend a one-day workshop. Registration is now open for the spring workshops, which will take place in Trail (April 12), Cranbrook (April 14) and Revelstoke (April 20).

ENP is a partnership of nine funders: CBT, the Vancouver Foundation, the Coast Capital Credit Union, the Vancity Credit Union, the Vancity Community Foundation, Southern Interior Trust, Northern Interior Development Trust, the Province of B.C. and an anonymous donor. Find out more about ENP and its granting program and workshops at www.enterprisingnonprofits.ca.

CBT delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.