Watch the interview above to hear directly from Water Rangers’ Executive Director, Kat Kavanagh, as she reflects on their experience accessing flexible nonprofit funding, and how that funding helped unlock growth, stability, and greater impact.
In 2021, Water Rangers was ready to grow. As a national nonprofit that empowers communities to monitor local waterways through open data and citizen science, they had the demand, the tools, and a clear plan to expand into British Columbia.
What they didn’t have was the financial flexibility to act on that opportunity.
Despite a strong earned revenue model and demonstrated impact, Water Rangers couldn’t access the type of capital they needed. Traditional funders and lenders didn’t see a fit. Their hybrid structure, a nonprofit with product sales, meant they didn’t match standard criteria for either grants or commercial loans.
“We were at a point where we were having to say no to opportunities,” says Executive Director Kat Kavanagh. “Our funds were tied up in inventory. Cash flow was holding us back.”
That changed when they found Thrive Impact Fund, and with it, an approach to flexible nonprofit funding that met their model, their timing, and their mission.
Funding That Reflects the Realities of Nonprofits
Thrive provided a revenue-based loan tailored to organizations like Water Rangers, those operating in the earned revenue space but often overlooked by traditional funders. This flexible structure adjusted with income, offering a more responsive approach to nonprofit finance.
With that funding, Water Rangers hired a new staff member in British Columbia to lead outreach and programming. That investment allowed them to establish a stronger local presence, build deeper partnerships, and deliver more consistent programming in the region.
It was the kind of move that typical nonprofit funding rarely makes possible: timely, growth-focused, and aligned with both impact and operational needs.
Support That Extends Beyond the Capital
Thrive’s approach isn’t just about money, it’s about what surrounds it. Every investment comes with hands-on support, expert guidance, and a peer learning community.
As part of the investment, Water Rangers joined a cohort of other purpose-driven organizations navigating similar challenges. Monthly sessions created space to learn from peers, share insight, and stay connected to a broader community of practice.
At the same time, regular check-ins with Thrive staff meant Water Rangers had access to responsive coaching, on revenue strategy, staffing, financial modelling, or whatever challenge was most pressing.
“Those sessions helped me zoom out, think strategically, and make more confident decisions,” said Kavanagh. “We didn’t just grow revenue, we grew our financial thinking.”
For nonprofits navigating growth, this combination of capital and tailored support is what makes flexible funding truly effective.
Results: Growth, Resilience, and a Stronger Foundation
Since the start of the Thrive partnership, Water Rangers has:
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Grown test kit sales by 55% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year
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Increased their operating budget by over 50%
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Expanded into British Columbia with on-the-ground staff
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Repaid the loan early, freeing up internal capital for future planning
Because of the flexibility in both funding and support, they were able to move quickly and confidently, without compromising stability or straining their team.
Why Flexible Nonprofit Funding Matters
Water Rangers’ experience points to a larger issue in the nonprofit sector: the need for funding that adapts to how organizations actually operate.
Many nonprofits are generating revenue, building innovative models, and responding to real-time community needs. But too often, their financing options are limited to project-specific grants or rigid loan terms that don’t fit the reality of running a mission-driven organization.
Thrive Impact Fund fills that gap by offering flexible nonprofit funding, paired with the coaching, community, and care needed to put that funding to work.
“After looking around, I haven’t seen anything else like Thrive,” said Kavanagh. “It wasn’t just a transaction—it was a relationship, built on shared values.”
What’s Next for Water Rangers
Today, Water Rangers is focused on expanding its leadership role in freshwater stewardship. Their recently released Watershed Reports provide accessible, community-based water data, just one example of the work they’re advancing across Canada.
While their loan has been repaid, the relationship continues. They’ve since accessed Thrive’s bridge loan product to help manage seasonal cash flow, and remain connected through the peer community.
Final Thoughts
Water Rangers’ story is one of potential met with the right kind of support. It shows what’s possible when flexible nonprofit funding is built not just to give, but to guide.
If your organization is working toward sustainable growth, building revenue, or scaling your impact, Thrive Impact Fund offers more than capital. We offer a partnership built to help you move forward, with clarity, confidence, and community.