Our Insights


INSIGHTS THAT DRIVE
COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Empowering people, systems, and measurable impact.

EXPLORE IDEAS

Why Social Entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship is important because it works upstream. 

Instead of waiting for a crisis, organizations can redesign their growth strategies and future opportunities before existing systems fail. Social entrepreneurship lets us design systems that don’t just patch symptoms – it allows us to rewire how we define sustainability.

GET STARTED

Merge+™ Sustainability Score Advisor

We’ve built a simple tool to give you a personalized starting point for diversifying your nonprofit’s revenue.

After you enter your organization’s basic details (annual budget, current revenue mix, staff size, mission type, etc.), our AI consultant analyzes the numbers and generates a tailored plan. You’ll receive:

•  A quick summary of your current situation

•  3–4 realistic earned-income ideas suited to your mission and size

•  Key risks and how to handle them

•  An estimate of potential impact on your sustainability

•  Clear next steps + how Merge Community Innovation can help you move forward

This is not a full consulting report — it’s an instant, data-informed preview based on common nonprofit benchmarks and best practices. The more accurate your inputs, the more relevant the advice.

i.e., 500,000
(numbers only; i.e. 60)
What percentage comes from earned revenue? (i.e., 20)
What percentage from donations or other sources (i.e., 20)

Featured Firms

Sustainable Aluminum Bottled Water

Unlocking Refugee Self-Reliance

Reducing Homelessness with AI

Support Global Literacy

Supporting Women Facing Barriers

Sustainable Income Through Fair Trade Crafts

FEATURED STORY

Greyston Bakery: From Brownies to Breakthroughs

 

Greyston Bakery, based in Yonkers, New York, is best known for supplying brownies to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. But its true impact lies far beyond desserts. Founded in 1982, Greyston pioneered an open hiring model—anyone who walks in the door can get a job, no questions asked. No resumes, interviews, or background checks. 

 

This radical approach has given opportunities to people who are often excluded from the workforce: formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrants, and those facing housing instability. By removing barriers, Greyston turns employment into empowerment.

 

Why It Matters

Greyston’s model shows how a nonprofit can evolve into a social enterprise that sustains itself while deepening its mission:

  • Revenue with purpose: Brownie sales generate income that supports community programs.

  • Workforce inclusion: Open hiring creates pathways for people who might otherwise be shut out.

  • Community reinvestment: Profits fund housing, childcare, and health initiatives in Yonkers.

  • Scalable innovation: The open hiring model has inspired other companies to adopt similar practices.

 
The Leap from Nonprofit to Social Enterprise

Greyston began as a nonprofit focused on community development. By embracing enterprise, it unlocked new doors: financial resilience, broader partnerships, and the ability to scale impact. Today, it stands as proof that nonprofits can thrive when they blend mission with market.   For Merge+™ , Greyston’s story is a powerful case study. It demonstrates that taking the leap into social enterprise doesn’t mean abandoning values—it means amplifying them.

Testimonials & Endorsements

Real words from real leaders about the importance and impact of diversification

"If you lead a nonprofit and want to reduce dependence on fundraising while increasing impact, Merge can help. They work hands-on with leaders to turn mission-driven organizations into sustainable social enterprises—building stronger business models, dependable revenue, and long-term impact for the communities you serve."
Leif JohnsonManaging Partner, Liberty Ridge Advisors
Leif Johnson
"Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, yet far too often they are expected to deliver transformational impact without the resources, strategy, or long-term support required to sustain that work. That reality is why the work of Merge is so important. Merge is helping organizations build sustainable models through social entrepreneurship, an approach that is both forward-thinking and urgently needed. Their work empowers nonprofit and small business leaders to move beyond survival mode and toward building ventures that generate real revenue, real opportunity, and lasting change. Merge understands that when nonprofits and small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive. Their commitment to equity, innovation, and long-term sustainability is not only refreshing, it’s essential."
Ollie GarretPresident & CEO | Tabor 100
Ollie Garret
Merge Community Innovation brings a level of clarity and purpose that our sector has been missing. Even from the outside looking in, it’s clear they understand how to bridge community insight with practical, scalable solutions. Their approach reflects a deep respect for the people doing the work and a genuine commitment to helping organizations innovate in ways that are both sustainable and equitable. Leaders across industries — not just nonprofits — stand to benefit from the kind of thoughtful partnership Merge is bringing to the table. I’m excited to see how this work continues to grow and create meaningful impact."
Marlowe GilmoreCEO, ChargeHub Dynamics
Marlowe Gilmore

50%

of young entrepreneurs in the U.S. prioritize social or environmental impact alongside profit

60%

Social enterprises in the U.S. report that earned income often makes up 30–60% of their budgets, reducing reliance on grants

56%

56% of nonprofits reported running a deficit in 2025, compared to 47% in 2022

42.6%

Donor retention dropped to 42.6% in 2024, down from 45% the year before