The Cancer Free Economy - Building a Connector Marketplace

The Cancer Free Economy Network (CFE) brings together over 60 organizations working to eliminate toxic chemicals and build a more just, sustainable economy. CFE has pioneered an innovative approach to financial sustainability through their connector marketplace, creating pathways for environmental justice organizations to monetize their expertise while generating independent revenue.

Overview

The Cancer Free Economy Network developed a fee-for-service marketplace that connects environmental justice consultants with organizations seeking specialized expertise.

This platform enables grassroots organizations to offer their knowledge as valuable professional services while creating a sustainable revenue stream that aligns with the network's mission. The initiative demonstrates how advocacy networks can leverage collective expertise to build financial independence while expanding their impact.

Key Strategies & Tactics

• Platform Development: Building a searchable directory on their existing CRM system where members showcase expertise, services, and rates
• Service Diversification: Facilitating various offerings including technical assistance, facilitation, translation, and community experience presentations
• Tiered Support Model: Creating basic and enhanced service tiers with different administrative fee structures
• Legal Framework: Developing contract templates and intellectual property protections to safeguard all participants
• Phased Implementation: Rolling out the platform gradually from market research through full launch (2023-2025)

Lessons Learned

• Start Within Your Network: Begin with existing relationships before expanding to external audiences
• Prioritize Equity: Design pricing structures that work for organizations of all sizes
• Value Lived Experience: Recognize community expertise as professionally valuable
• Invest in Legal Framework: Clear contracts and terms protect all parties and build trust
• Build on Existing Systems: Leverage current technology rather than building from scratch

Impact

While still in its implementation phase, CFE's marketplace is already demonstrating the power of independent revenue generation for movement organizations. The platform particularly benefits smaller grassroots environmental justice groups by providing infrastructure to monetize their expertise and connect with clients they might not otherwise reach.

The marketplace addresses a critical gap in the environmental justice movement by recognizing frontline expertise and lived experience as valuable professional services. This approach not only generates unrestricted revenue for advocacy work but also strengthens connections between movement organizations and expands their collective capacity.