Engaging university students with repair cafes and nonprofit organisations

Abstract

Repair Café Wales (RCW) is a thriving third-sector organization that has made significant strides in promoting a circular economy, reducing waste, and empowering community members through skill sharing. However, the organization now faces strategic challenges regarding its future direction and financial sustainability. This report presents an analysis of RCW's current situation, key issues, and recommendations for the future, developed through a detailed study of the organization's operations, financials, marketing, and strategic objectives. Repair Café Wales (RCW) has experienced remarkable growth since its founding in 2016, expanding from a single location to over 70 Repair Cafes across Wales and the UK.

However, this rapid expansion has also led to several strategic challenges that must be addressed for long-term sustainability and impact. Our in-depth analysis of RCW's marketing, finances, operations, and strategic goals revealed the following key issues:

● Heavy reliance on limited external funding sources puts financial sustainability at risk ● Knowledge sharing confined to social media, missing young demographics ● Lack of student engagement. ● Lack of visitors and students starting up sustainable repair cafes.

To address these challenges, we recommend a focused growth strategy concentrating on 3-5 metro areas to achieve critical mass. This geographic concentration will allow RCW to maximize limited resources. Additionally, RCW should launch targeted training and employment initiatives aimed at vulnerable populations to both increase impact and pilot earned revenue models. Enhanced volunteer management and impact measurement capabilities are needed to support growth. Diversifying income through corporate training programs and fixed repair shop locations will also be critical for long-term sustainability. We provide detailed analyses of various earned revenue approaches and how they align with RCW's mission. Effectively implementing these recommendations has the potential to transform RCW into the leading circular economy non-profit in Wales. By focusing its geographic expansion, maximizing social impact through targeted programs, improving operational rigor, and diversifying funding, RCW can reach a scale where it drives visible change in attitudes and behaviors towards sustainable resource use. Our report provides in-depth examinations of each recommendation, including implementation plans outlining phased roll-outs, resource requirements, investment needs, and tracking metrics. We are fully confident RCW has the passion and dedication to execute on this strategy and take its impact to new heights.