NPI is an aggregation of several NGO Supporting organizations which operate with contributions, both financial and otherwise, from international and domestic charity foundations, government agencies, enterprises and academies. Since its establishment in Jan 2006, NPI has worked to promote social innovation and cultivate social entrepreneurs in China by granting crucial support to start-up and small to medium sized NGOs and Social Enterprises.

We believe that the transformation of government functions, combined with the restructuring of public service systems, the growing awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility, and a newly thriving culture of volunteerism together signal the growing importance of philanthropy as a means of achieving development in China. Lessons learned from the rapid evolution of the private sector in China over the last three decades demonstrate that a focus on integrating ideas and resources is essential in the development and strengthening of Civil Society. NPI is, therefore, dedicated to combining forces with those who have a keen grasp of social problems and demands, offer innovative solutions and demonstrate the perseverance and capacity needed to advance this cause.

NPI announced the concept of the ‘Non Profit Incubator’ in mid 2006 and, in April 2007, subsequently launched its first operation in Shanghai. Shortly after, NPI extended its presence to include offices in Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen. The ‘Non Profit Incubator’ is regarded as a major innovation in the Third Sector. The business model has been well received by NGO partners, government officials, charity foundations, journalists and experts. NPI is currently incubating approximately 30 newly established NGOs and Social Enterprises annually in China, providing these nascent organizations with crucial support ranging from office space and shared facilities to systematic capacity building programs, management consulting, micro-grants, and assistance on registration and fund raising etc. As a result of these initiatives, NPI has accrued a wealth of valuable case studies and is now broadly recognized as a significant contributor to the field of NGO Capacity Building.

Responding to the growing need for community services, NPI has developed a Community Service Platform which aims to integrate available resources to substantially improve the impact of community services. To this end, we provide ample opportunities for excellent grassroots NGOs and Social Enterprises to work at the community level and gain access to those in need. Since May 2008, NPI has successfully operated the Sanlin World Expo Garden Citizen Center. The Citizen Center is both the largest Community Center in China and a site that was quickly recognized as a nation-wide model. We are currently promoting this unique platform in more than 20 Community Centers (both urban and rural areas) throughout Beijing and Sichuan, in total managing approx. 25,000 Square meters.

NPI invests substantial effort to promote the concept of CSR and has successfully assisted many grassroots NPOs to gain both financial and human resources from large enterprises in China. By partnering with Lenovo, Nokia, Master Kong, Intel, Diageo and China Merchants Group, NPI created a win-win mechanism for all related parties. Increasingly more and more companies are eager to support grassroots NGOs. First introduced and practiced by NPI in 2007, the concept of Venture Philanthropy has won high recognition. Collaborating with Lenovo and Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau as well as other partners, NPI initiated and launched several Venture Philanthropy Programs. To date, the Venture Philanthropy Funds managed by NPI exceed RMB 50 million and support more than 300 excellent charity projects. In 2009, NPI founded the Shanghai United Foundation. This public charity foundation will explore innovative fundraising and grant-making models to mobilize greater social resources to better serve the needs of grassroots NGOs and social enterprises in China.

Designed and operated by NPI, the Shanghai Social Innovation Park celebrated its grand opening in July 2010. Since its inception, the SIP has hosted numerous large-scale events, including the ‘China NGO Projects Exhibition’ and ‘Corporate Citizenship in Action,’ all of which have earned wide recognition.

Though each branch is registered independently, NPI places a high value on integrated branding, sharing of resources and the pursuit of complementary advantages. NPI will continue to actively coordinate the efforts of its various units to further promote innovation in this field, strengthen Civil Society, and improve our programming.