Selling Training to Major Companies While Funding Operations and Fulfilling the Mission

Selling Training to Major Companies While Funding Operations and Fulfilling the Mission

Author: Cherry Chan March 14, 2025 Duration: 33:02

Welcome to the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast. Today, we are  joined by Emily Jones, co-founder of Connected Canadians, a nonprofit that has successfully turned corporate training into a sustainable revenue stream while helping seniors build digital literacy skills.

What started as a self-funded initiative quickly evolved when Emily and her team recognized the need for a more reliable funding model. They leveraged their expertise in digital literacy and developed training programs for major corporations, securing partnerships with Rogers, Amazon, TD Canada, and Best Buy. Their breakthrough deal with Rogers resulted in over 2,000 training licenses sold, equipping technicians with the skills to better assist senior customers. This success validated their model and led to further collaborations with other industry leaders, helping them build sustainable revenue beyond grants and donations.

By monetizing their knowledge, Connected Canadians established a scalable funding approach that not only supports free digital literacy services for seniors but also enhances corporate interactions with older adults. Their programs help bridge the generational tech gap while ensuring businesses are equipped to meet the needs of a growing senior population. In addition, their cybersecurity training initiative empowers seniors to navigate the digital world safely, addressing a critical concern in an era of increasing online fraud and scams. Their ability to generate sustainable revenue from training ensures they can continue offering these vital programs without financial instability.

This episode delves into how nonprofits can monetize their expertise and build sustainable revenue streams without relying solely on grants. Emily shares how strategic partnerships, a compelling value proposition, and a commitment to mission-driven business practices have allowed Connected Canadians to grow while staying true to its purpose.

Visit Connected Canadians to learn more about their innovative funding model and impact. Subscribe to the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast for more insights from nonprofit leaders who are redefining sustainability in the sector.

 


Hosted by Cherry Chan, The Unfiltered Non-Profit: Leaders Share It All pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to run a mission-driven organization. This isn't a series of polished success stories; instead, each conversation goes deep into the operational realities that leaders grapple with daily. You'll hear about budget crises that threatened to shut doors, the complexities of team dynamics under pressure, and the strategic pivots that saved programs. Chan guides these discussions with a focus on practical management and the less-glamorous, behind-the-scenes work that sustains impact. The result is a candid resource for anyone involved in the business of change, from seasoned executives to board members and aspiring founders. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private roundtable where honesty is the only policy, offering lessons that are immediately applicable. It captures the full, unfiltered journey of non-profit leadership-the setbacks, the hard-won victories, and the relentless pursuit of making a difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 39

The Unfiltered Non-Profit: Leaders Share It All
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