Changing the world one purchase at a time

Holy cow, how have I never heard of Nest before? It’s a non-profit group dedicated to giving micro-loans to women in developing countries so that they can create businesses with their crafting and art. Wow! What a fantastic idea!

“One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.” – Henry David Thoreau

Nest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses.

The funds for these loans are generated by selling a unique line of clothing, accessories and merchandise for the home produced exclusively for Nest by a group of artists and designers. The Nest line also includes ceramic pottery, women’s clothing and other items with the Nest logo. In addition to these exclusive items created by well-known designers, the recipients of Nest loans in developing countries also make their crafts available to Nest as repayment for the micro-credit loans. These items, too, are incorporated into the Nest line of merchandise. In this way, Nest draws together artists from across the globe into a cooperative network with a shared vision of mutual support. more…

There are so many ways to get involved in Nest. You can host a trunk show featuring work from loan recipients, help Nest with an event near you, apply for a limited spot selling your own goods on their site, donate money to help fund loans, and much more.

Amazing — check them out.