arcenciel is redefining the role of civil society in Lebanon by transitioning from a traditional grant-dependent NGO to a self-sustaining social entrepreneurship model. Recognized as a public interest organization since 1995, arcenciel serves vulnerable and marginalized groups across Lebanon, regardless of political or religious affiliation. The organization’s strategy, known as Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID), focuses on aligning community needs with local resources to generate both social and economic value.
Navigating Financial Independence Amidst Crisis
Prior to the 2019 Lebanese financial crisis, arcenciel achieved an impressive 80% financial independence through its diverse income-generating activities. However, this stability was tested in 2020 when government spending was halted, ending two decades of state-supported disability equipment provision. In response, the organization accelerated its shift toward a more independent business model to ensure its mission could survive global funding cuts and local economic instability.
The Pillars of arcenciel’s Social Business Model
The organization’s success is built on integrating marginalized individuals directly into its operations. Currently, 33% of its staff and volunteers are persons with disabilities, serving as active providers rather than passive recipients of aid. To maintain its independence, arcenciel has diversified its revenue streams across several key sectors:
- Sustainable Agriculture: Operating laboratories and research units to support local producers.
- Material Valorization: Furniture refurbishing and waste management initiatives that transform discarded items into durable goods.
- Specialized Services: Providing health and social care, including infectious waste treatment and rehabilitation services.
Defining the Social Entrepreneur: Passion, Pain, Patience, and Perseverance
Nadim Abdo, arcenciel’s Grants and Partnerships Director, identifies four critical traits necessary for sustaining a social enterprise in the SWANA region:
- Passion: The drive of a business entrepreneur to follow market needs.
- Pain: A layer of deep concern for social or environmental causes neglected by authorities.
- Patience: Working steadily to ensure the survival of staff and beneficiaries.
- Perseverance: The resilience to learn from mistakes and continuously improve.
About arcenciel
Established in 1985 during the Lebanese Civil War, arcenciel is a non-profit, apolitical NGO dedicated to sustainable development through the integration of marginalized communities. With 10 centers across Lebanon, it operates in five core sectors: Disability Inclusion, Health and Social Care, Agriculture and Environment, Youth and Education, and Responsible Tourism. Over 40 years, the organization has served more than one million individuals, evolving into a regional benchmark for inclusive, community-based social entrepreneurship.
Source: Centre for Social Sciences Research & Action (CeSSRA)
