How Community Bonds Helped a Nonprofit Outbid Developers

Innovative Funding from the Ottawa Community Land Trust

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan speaks with Mike Bulthuis, Executive Director of the Ottawa Community Land Trust (OCLT), about how his organization is rethinking nonprofit fundraising. Founded in 2021, OCLT is part of a growing network of community land trusts in Canada working to preserve and expand affordable housing in perpetuity.

Instead of relying solely on grants or charitable donations, OCLT uses community bonds—a nonprofit fundraising alternative that invites individuals to invest in their mission. Investors receive a modest return, while OCLT gains the flexibility to move quickly on real estate opportunities. This strategy enabled the organization to secure its first property purchase by combining community investments with an anonymous gift. It's a model that aligns capital with community impact, offering a new path forward for organizations seeking a sustainable nonprofit real estate strategy.

Despite operating with a lean team of just three staff members, OCLT is building toward long-term financial sustainability. With leadership from a board that includes nonprofit veterans, economists, and private sector developers, the organization is uniquely positioned to blend mission and business thinking. Their approach shows that nonprofits don't need to wait for grants—they can raise capital directly and act with urgency.

In Summary

The Ottawa Community Land Trust is showing what's possible when a nonprofit thinks like a social enterprise. By using community bonds to fund affordable housing acquisitions, OCLT avoids traditional barriers like slow-moving grants and limited donations. For nonprofits exploring fundraising alternatives, this episode is a clear example of how innovation, community support, and financial strategy can come together to create real impact.