Enp is funded by a partnership of nine funders, who combine their resources together to create a common funding pool that leverages their separate contributions for greater impact and efficiency. Enp’s funding program provides matching grants to non-profit organizations in BC who are interested in starting or expanding a social enterprise business. The program was established in 1997, in response to requests by organizations for support in the development of revenue-generating enterprises, as a way to stabilize and diversify their funding base, and enhance their programs or services. The enp program funding enables organizations to conduct planning activities related to the development of a business venture.

The aim of the of the program is to support non-profit organizations to develop enterprises that are linked with their charitable mandate and contribute to organizational sustainability to increase the capacity of non-profit organizations to improve socioeconomic conditions in their communities through the creation of employment or training opportunities and/or enhanced program provision.

The enp program accepts grant applications two times per year, in spring and fall. To apply for funding, organizations are required to attend a one-day orientation session. In the last granting round in the fall of 2007, enp funded 28 BC non-profits dispersing $168,920.