Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages works to break the cycle of generational poverty by creating income opportunities for artisans in developing countries through long-term fair trade relationships. As a nonprofit, it exists to benefit artisans rather than to maximize profits.
Ten Thousand Villages sells handcrafted home decor, jewelry, scarves, bags, garden accessories, and gifts from artisan groups around the world. Each purchase pays an artisan a fair price and keeps steady orders flowing to their community.
Your Impact
Ten Thousand Villages began in 1946 and ranks among the oldest and largest fair trade organizations in the world. It helped found the World Fair Trade Organization and holds certified membership in the Fair Trade Federation. The organization builds long-term partnerships with artisan groups that lack access to traditional markets, offering fair prices, cash advances, prompt payment, and consistent orders. About 70% of its artisans are women, and many are the sole wage earners for their families. Many artisan cooperatives reinvest their earnings in medical centers, child care, schools, wells, and sanitation for their villages.
More Ways to Support
Volunteer – Supporters can volunteer at a local Ten Thousand Villages store, since volunteers run many of its nonprofit retail locations. https://www.tenthousandvillages.com/blogs/fair-trade-products-lifestyle/become-volunteer-4-easy-steps?srsltid=AYCX9vJvfcPdceJYQKopSNtvRTZFg_8WjVDLlIIOmjzQtrkurP4tpoEy
Shop In Person – Shoppers can visit a Ten Thousand Villages store near them to discover artisan goods and learn the stories behind them. https://www.tenthousandvillages.com/pages/store-locator
Fair Trade Gifting – Gift givers can choose handcrafted, fair trade gifts for holidays, weddings, and corporate occasions. https://www.tenthousandvillages.com/pages/corporate-gifting