At a time of decreasing government funding and stiff competition for philanthropic dollars, how can nonprofits stay financially viable while staying true to their missions? The Stanford Social Innovation Review supplement offers a wealth of examples of what is working and lessons learned. For an overview, read the blog post.

Since 2012, NieghborWorks America has worked with a pilot group of its network members to introduce and develop the culture, disciplines and practices of sustainable business, focused on building homeownership.

One of the pilot’s successes is the NeighborWorks of Western Vermont. The nonprofit received a Department of Energy grant to start a successful home-energy-efficiency program called the HEAT Squad, but funding to keep it going was needed. By applying sustainable-business methods, the nonprofit developed a revenue stream through collaboration with private contractors.

Antoinette Sammartino’s house was so cold she could not sit on her couch without a blanket until NeighborWorks member Community Development Corp. of Long Island came into the picture. Through its Weatherization Assistance Program, Sammartino received eight new vinyl thermopane windows, attic insulation and weather-stripping around her front door, as well as safety features like carbon dioxide detectors and pull-down stairs. To top it off, her utility bills are the lowest they’ve ever been.