Financial Sustainability
Building a self-sustaining model where ethical commerce generates revenue while grant funding catalyzes growth and capacity.
Earned Revenue Through Ethical Commerce
Branch Life operates as a social enterprise, not a traditional nonprofit. Revenue from product sales funds operations, reducing long-term dependency on external funding.
Product sales generate operational revenue
After fair artisan compensation, remaining margins support infrastructure and growth
Steward facilitation fees create distributed income
Community members earn through participation, expanding economic impact
Scalable model increases efficiency over time
As distribution networks mature, cost per transaction decreases
Strategic Grant Funding
Grant funding plays a catalytic, not permanent role—accelerating growth, building capacity, and establishing infrastructure until earned revenue can sustain operations.
Initial Infrastructure
Technology systems, training materials, initial artisan partnerships, and operational frameworks
Capacity Building
Steward training programs, quality assurance systems, and community outreach initiatives
Market Development
Establishing distribution channels, partnerships, and scaling proven approaches to new regions
Pathway to Self-Sustainability
A clear timeline showing how earned revenue progressively covers operational costs
Grant funding covers 70-80% of operational costs while establishing infrastructure, training stewards, and building artisan partnerships.
- Build core systems and processes
- Establish first 3-5 communities
- Develop training programs
Earned revenue covers 40-50% of costs as distribution networks mature and transaction volumes increase. Grant funding supports expansion.
- Scale to 15-20 communities
- Refine and optimize operations
- Build regional infrastructure
Earned revenue covers 70-85% of operational costs. Grant funding shifts to innovation, research, and replication in new markets.
- Achieve operational sustainability
- Replicate model in new regions
- Invest in innovation and R&D
Stewardship & Transparency
We recognize that funders are stewards of resources entrusted to create public good. We honor that stewardship through radical transparency and rigorous accountability.
Our Commitments to Funders
- Quarterly impact reports: Detailed metrics on outcomes, financials, and progress toward sustainability milestones
- Clear use-of-funds documentation: Every dollar tracked and accounted for with transparency
- Annual independent audits: Third-party verification of financial practices and impact claims
- Open dialogue and responsiveness: Accessible leadership committed to funder relationships
We believe that good stewardship creates trust, and trust enables long-term partnership. Our financial practices reflect the same values we bring to artisan relationships: dignity, fairness, and transparency.
Invest in Sustainable Impact
Your grant funding doesn't just support programs—it builds a self-sustaining model that will create economic opportunity for decades to come.
Explore Funding Opportunities