902 ManUp

What 902 ManUp does

902 Man Up is a Canadian non-profit volunteer organization founded in 2016 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Marcus James, Peter Campbell, and grassroots community members in response to community violence disproportionately affecting African Nova Scotians. The organization's primary mission is the advancement of Black communities in Nova Scotia, with a particular focus on empowering young Black males facing gun violence, systemic barriers, educational exclusion, underemployment, and lack of culturally relevant mental health services.

The organization operates a portfolio of free programs and services including youth mentorship, leadership development, education support, advocacy, mental health services, and community development, alongside direct housing operations. Physical infrastructure comprises four shelter/housing facilities: the Windmill Road Shelter, the Halifax Forum (opened January 22, 2024, accommodating 94 residents), North Park, and the Akwaaba Reverend Wallace Smith Sr. Campus (transitional supportive housing for up to 33 residents over 1.5 to 3 years). In July 2026, the organization launched the Black Mental Health & Addictions Project (BMHAP) at a dedicated Dartmouth location (946 Main Street). Programs are delivered free to eligible participants and funded primarily through donations, government grants, and a small merchandise stream selling branded apparel.

The go-to-market approach is community-led, with beneficiaries reached through direct program delivery, volunteer engagement, and a partnership network spanning education (HRCE), justice (ANSJI, John Howard Society NB), government (ANSA), healthcare (North End Community Health Centre), cultural preservation (Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia), and workforce development. Marketing leverages grassroots events, social media (#902ManUp), public endorsements from municipal and federal political figures, and an online community forum. The organization claims the highest number of Black people employed by any single organization in Canada and has received Social Innovator and Human Rights Awards.

Name

902 ManUp

Legal name

902 Man Up

Website

https://902manup.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

902 Man Up is a Halifax-based Canadian non-profit founded in 2016 that delivers free advocacy, mentorship, education, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and mental health programs primarily serving young Black males and broader African Nova Scotian communities in Nova Scotia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Halifax

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The organization relies primarily on donations from individuals, organizations, and government grants to fund its programs and operations.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including T-shirts ($30) and sweaters ($55). All proceeds go to supporting the organization's mission to better the future for young males.
3. Free Programs and Services: All programs are provided free of charge to eligible participants, including housing, mentorship, leadership, education, and mental health services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

902 Man Up is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides free community programs (Youth Mentorship, Leadership Development, Education Support, Advocacy, Community Development, and Mental Health) along with emergency shelter accommodations and transitional supportive housing for Black communities in Nova Scotia. All services are delivered at no cost to eligible participants, with operations funded through donations, grants, and proceeds from branded merchandise sales.

Product overview

902 Man Up is a community-based nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of social services and programs focused on empowering Black youth and communities in Nova Scotia. The organization operates emergency shelter accommodations (Windmill Road, Halifax Forum, North Park) and transitional supportive housing (Akwaaba Campus). Its core programs include Youth Mentorship, Leadership Development, Education Support, Advocacy, Mental Health Support, and Community Development. Additionally, the organization launched the Black Mental Health & Addictions Project (BMHAP) in July 2026. The organization also operates a merchandise store and maintains an online community forum. These services work together to address gun violence, systemic barriers, housing instability, and economic marginalization affecting African Nova Scotian communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Black Mental Health & Addictions Project (BMHAP): A new initiative dedicated to healing, support, and empowerment within Black communities, focusing on mental health and addiction services for African Nova Scotian communities.
• Akwaaba Campus

Products and services

• Youth Mentorship Program
• Leadership Development Program
• Education Support Program
• Advocacy Program
• Mental Health Support Services
• Community Development Program
• Shelter Accommodation Services
• Akwaaba Reverend Wallace Smith Sr. Campus (Transitional Housing)
• Black Mental Health & Addictions Project (BMHAP)
• 902 Man Up Merchandise
• Authors Collection

Quantifiable outcome

• Highest number of Black people employed by a single organization in Canada
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership supporting Black youth through school-based programs and initiatives addressing the school-to-prison pipeline and educational attainment.
• African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership focused on addressing criminal justice disparities and advocating for policy reforms that impact the Black community.
• African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnership supporting the advancement of African Nova Scotian communities through policy and community development initiatives.
• Africadian EntertainmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEntertainment industry partnership supporting cultural events and community programming.
• African Black Seaboard Workers (ABSW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLabor and workforce development partnership supporting economic opportunities for Black workers.
• OpusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partnership supporting economic empowerment initiatives.
• North End Community Health CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partnership providing referrals and access to medical services for shelter residents and program participants.
• Money Path AtlanticminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial literacy and economic empowerment partnership supporting job training and entrepreneurship programs.
• ANSDPADminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting advocacy and policy development for African Nova Scotian communities.
• John Howard Society of New BrunswickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCriminal justice reform partnership focused on alternatives to incarceration and re-entry support.
• Black Cultural Centre for Nova ScotiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural heritage partnership preserving and celebrating the history of Black communities in Nova Scotia.
• RB KitchenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business partnership supporting community events and food services.
• Brother HoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity organization partnership supporting youth programs and mentorship initiatives.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• United Way Halifax: Major funder and convener of community services in Halifax. Comparable as a nonprofit ecosystem partner funding and supporting community organizations in the same region.
• Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division: Large established mental health services provider operating in Nova Scotia. Comparable as a provider of mental health support services in the same region, though serving a broader population.

Direct peers

• Black Youth Helpline: National Canadian organization providing support services to Black youth and families. Comparable as a Black-focused nonprofit delivering culturally responsive youth services and mental health support.
• Phoenix Youth Programs: Halifax-based nonprofit providing shelter, housing, and youth support services. Comparable as a community-led organization addressing youth homelessness and at-risk youth in Nova Scotia.
• Hope Blooms: Halifax-based nonprofit focused on youth empowerment, mentorship, and community development. Comparable as a grassroots community organization serving marginalized youth in Nova Scotia.
• North End Community Health Centre: Halifax community health centre serving marginalized communities. Already a 902 ManUp partner; comparable as a community-based service provider in the same geography.
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Halifax: Provides youth mentorship, education support, and leadership development programs in Halifax. Comparable as a youth-focused nonprofit offering free programs in the same geography.
• Afri-Can Foundation: Toronto-based nonprofit supporting Black communities in Canada through community development and education. Comparable as a Black-led nonprofit organization serving African Canadian communities nationally.
• YWCA Halifax: Provides shelter, housing, and support services in Halifax. Directly comparable as a local nonprofit delivering shelter accommodations and community-based programs to vulnerable populations.
• Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia institution preserving and celebrating Black culture and history. Already a 902 ManUp partner; comparable as a Black-focused nonprofit organization in the same province.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/902-man-up

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 902 ManUp