Investment Readiness Program (IRP) Funding Recipients 2023
For immediate release
Date: March 24, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HALIFAX, NS– Thirteen organizations working to do good in Nova Scotia are receiving $632,916 in funding through the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) to increase their positive impact though social enterprise. Part of a national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada and partners, and funded by the Government of Canada, IRP is helping social-purpose organizations develop or expand their social enterprise – the selling of goods or services to earn revenue – to achieve sustainability and access investment, while showing how business can be done differently.
The Investment Readiness Program is enabling these organizations to grow their impact using an earned-revenue model as a tool for change, creating organizational self-sufficiency while having positive social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts in their communities.
Be the Peace Institute – $25,000
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design – $64,700
Community CARES – $25,000
Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) Industries – $32,453
Eyelevel Artist Run Centre – $36,099
Farm to Feast Café Association – $54,557
Hope Blooms – $75,000
iMove Arts Association – $72,500
LakeCity Works – $74,807
Richmond River Roots Market Garden Society – $25,000
Investment Readiness Program - 2023 Grantees 2
Scott’s Bay Campground – $25,000
The Flower Cart Group – $47,800
YWCA Halifax – $75,000
In Nova Scotia, IRP is being administered by Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation, Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia, and the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia. This is the third round of funding through the initiative, with over $1.2 million having been awarded to 27 organizations addressing issues such as poverty, wellbeing, economic opportunity, equality and climate change across our province.
“This Investment Readiness Program grant is an immense help to our organization. With it, we will be able to create a measurement tool that will not only help our funders and the
community at-large understand our social impact but will also demonstrate to all at The Flower Cart Group just how important their contributions to the organization truly are. Once
completed, this will benefit everyone.”
– Jeff Kelly, CEO, The Flower Cart Group
“Investment Readiness Program funding is enabling us for the first time in 10 years to scale-up our social enterprises – Hot Cocoa Boys, Fresh Herb Salad Dressings, Possibili-teas, and Tri-gold Beauty – which will have significant social impact in the community. Scaling up our social enterprises translates to our being able to support more young social entrepreneurs in marginalized communities, increase our scholarship fund, community gardens, food programs and more.”
– Veronica Gutierrez, Manager of Growth and Sustainability, Hope Blooms
“Meeting employment needs is a major concern for young people in our community. Funding from the Investment Readiness Program will provide the technical assistance we need to pursue our long-standing goal of creating a social enterprise ‘training business.’ Not only will our social enterprise cafe provide young people with a supportive space to build the skills they need for employment, it will also help our organization build the capacity we need to start and run enterprises that both serve our mission and generate revenue to support our work.”
Investment Readiness Program - 2023 Grantees 3
– Eric Leviten-Reid, Board Chair, Community CARES Youth Outreach
Quick Facts
● IRP supports diverse social-purpose organizations to move along the path towards investment readiness, in advance of the launch of the Government of Canada's social
finance fund.
● As we look towards pandemic recovery, social finance can play a role in helping meet big challenges. Whether it’s creating more affordable housing options, addressing health and
wellbeing issues through social innovation or creating more sustainable communities, social finance can be part of how we build more resilient and inclusive communities.
● The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets a standard for a future that is bright, just and sustainable. These IRP-funded projects and social-purpose organizations are helping advance this agenda in communities across Canada.
Associated Links
cfns-fcne.ca
rcfofns.com
ulnoowegfoundation.ca
un.org/2030agenda
About Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia
Build on the strengths and assets of rural Nova Scotia by convening, stimulating generosity, establishing giving, growing an endowment, and granting funds to create diverse, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS)
∗ is a member of the Community Foundation of Canada. RCFNS supports community organizations in rural Nova Scotia, through convening, fund development and granting.
∗ has a proven track record, with more than 20 years of developing and delivering small grant programs.
∗ has dedicated board members from all regions of the province who have a wealth of experience about community development in rural Nova Scotia
∗ is a registered charity.
∗ adheres to the highest standards of transparency and accountability in its financial management.
∗ is a member of the Community Foundations of Canada, Volunteer Canada, Environmental Funders of Canada and the Nova Scotia Music Association and the Nova Scotia Not For Profit Coalition.
∗ has signed and adheres to the seven pillars of the Canadian Philanthropic Commitment on Climate Change.
∗ has been widely recognized for its excellence and leadership in the field of rural grant-making.
∗ adheres to the values of gender equality, equity, and climate action
Interviews Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia can be arranged by contacting:
Penny Cooper, Executive Director, RCFNS
(902) 717-3675
