The concept of Non-profit Organization Incubator Program was completed in 2006 and officially launched by NPI in Shanghai in April 2007, aiming to provide crucial support to newly established NGOs and social enterprises. Guided by the operating model of “supported by the government, initiated by civil society organizations, managed by professional teams, monitored by the public and benefited by grassroots NGOs”, the program facilitates the development of Civil Society Organizations.

The NPI Incubator Program provides crucial resources needed by newly established NGOs and Social enterprises, including free office space and facilities, counseling and capacity-building programs, and micro-grants. Furthermore, NPI provides assistances on fundraising, registration, policy influence and advocacy for the better development of NGOs and social enterprises.

This innovative model has received recognitions and acknowledgements from many stakeholders, including NGOs, donors, government agencies, media and etc. In 2009, the Incubator Program won the Charity Project Award in Shanghai Charity Assembly. China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs highly appraised the Incubator model and addressed that it should be widely promoted in Shanghai and other areas in China.

In May 2008, right after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake, NPI Project Chengdu office was established and soon started the Incubator Program. At the end of 2008, NPI set up its Beijing office, and its Shenzhen office is to be launched before 2010. Up to now, The Incubator Program has been successfully replicated and promoted in China.