Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages is an incredible business that is making a significant impact on the lives of the people it serves. Ten Thousand Villages collaborates with artisans in underdeveloped and under-resourced communities to help them earn higher incomes by selling their products through its website. The organization has been operating for over 75 years and boasts a long history of fair trade and long-term relationships, with the average artisan partnership lasting around 20 years. Additionally, the organization often pays artisans upfront and commits to long-term purchasing agreements, which allows for stability in communities. Their model also helps preserve traditional craftsmanship that might’ve otherwise not been preserved.

From their website: “Ten Thousand Villages does business differently than typical retailers. Our nonprofit artisan investment model puts the maker first, building strong partnerships based on ethical, fair-trade principles that prioritize shared prosperity and well-being for all.”