ABOUT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Social Enterprise and the "Triple Bottom Line"
Social enterprise is a business model that puts people and community first, ahead of private or personal gain, while operating in a commercially viable and sustainable way. They are governed in an accountable and transparent way by a voluntary Board and are independent of the public sector.
Many reuse and recycling companies operate as social enterprises that provide sustainable and meaningful employment for people who might not otherwise have access to it.
The majority of CRNI’s members are social enterprises, contributing to the environment, economy and needs of our society and community, or the “triple bottom line”.
Promoting Equality
CRNI members work to promote equality by supporting individuals or groups that are long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, ex-offenders, people coming from drug rehabilitation and disadvantaged communities—such as members of the Traveller and Roma community—through employment schemes, such as CSP, Tús, RSS, CE and others. These employment and training opportunities can help lift people out of poverty, enter the job market and learn new skills that can support career progression.
The personal impact of these services on trainees can be seen through our video, Inclusive Communities at Work, found on CRNI’s videos page: https://crni.ie/videos/
Addressing Poverty and Social Inclusion
CRNI retail members work to address poverty by providing refurbished or reused goods at affordable prices and in some cases, at a significant discount. This enables low-income families to meet their needs without incurring debts or making do without essential items. CRNI members also create volunteer opportunities, which helps to address social exclusion by offering a sense of community, purpose and belonging to those who are lonely or otherwise excluded.
According to a Volunteer Ireland study, 55% of respondents to an online national survey of volunteers stated that their mental health and well-being had increased following their volunteering experience. See the study on the Publications page: https://crni.ie/publications/
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Our funders
EPA Circular Economy Programme
CRNI supports its members and works to mainstream reuse thanks to core funding provided by the EPA under the Circular Economy Programme.
For more information about the programme see here.
Project Funding
Green + Social Virtual Trade Fair
CRNI’s Green + Social Virtual Trade Fair is funded by Ireland’s Regional Waste Management Plan Offices. This innovative virtual platform is open 24/7 and gives visitors the opportunity to explore green and social procurement opportunities provided by reuse, repair and recycling social enterprises and community-based organisations across Ireland.
Access the Green + Social Virtual Trade Fair here.
CRNI is the all island representative body for community based reuse, recycling and waste prevention organisations. We are funded by the EPA under the National Waste Prevention Programme and through membership contributions. CRNI is a proud member of the European RREUSE network.
Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in Ireland No. 493039
Registered Charity No. 20077259
CHY No.19637
Latest Posts
- We’re hiring! Executive Director & Network Manager April 9, 2024
- Gift an experience or shop preloved while supporting community causes with CRNI members December 5, 2023
- 5 Ways to Give to CRNI Members this Giving Tuesday November 28, 2023
- It’s Second Hand September! September 5, 2023
Useful links
Contact Us
Community Resources Network CLG
Registered office:
The Tara Building11-15 Tara Street
Dublin 2
D02 RY83
Phone: +353 87 173 5184
Email: [email protected]
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