R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund is proud to announce the recipients of its Market Development Grant Program for 2024.  The program supports artisan enterprises with a clear mission to increase incomes to underserved communities, preserve traditional craft techniques, and address the environmental impact of their production.

Small grants of $5,000 to $10,000 help artisan enterprises make strategic market development investments to further their mission and strengthen their impact. In addition to financial support, the program offers grantees mentoring, coaching and networking to support their international marketing and overall business development.

Grants have been awarded to eight enterprises from seven countries around the world. We congratulate:

Avani is a community-based organization creating sustainable livelihoods in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas through the revival of heritage craft, implementation of appropriate technology and conservation initiatives in rural communities. More than 2,200 artisans and farmers have benefited from Avani’s initiatives in this remote mountain region in northern India.
www.avani-kumaon.org

Bawa Hope is an ethical fashion company working with140 artisans in the informal settlements in Kenya to create and develop contemporary, ethnic jewelry which satisfies the conscious consumer’s desire for value, quality and fashion while creating sustainable opportunities for artisan communities.
Bawa Hope collaborates with refugee artisans to produce a line for MADE51.
www.bawahope.com

Collaborative Craft Projects works closely with more than 25 artisan communities throughout Zimbabwe and Southern Africa to design, develop and make handcrafted homeware and furniture that is beautiful and functional. Their products showcase traditional skills and craftsmanship, bringing them to both local and global markets.
www.collaborativecraftprojects.com

Hadithi Crafts is a community based organization representing more than 65 women’s groups in southeastern Kenya in the Tsavo ecosystem. Over 1800 women from 20 villages weave baskets and create jewelry to earn an income to support their families. This income provides an alternative to subsistence farming, poaching wildlife or cutting down forests for charcoal, timber and more farmland.
www.hadithikenya.com

Hilo Sagrado provides indigenous women with the necessary tools to become micro-entrepreneurs, taking ownership of their own work to escape from extreme poverty. Every woven thread of hand crocheted accessories honors the cultural legacy of the Wayúu people. Currently, 183 artisans from eight communities in La Guajira region in Colombia craft this collection.
www.hilosagrado.org

Itza Wood is a social venture in San Andres, Petén, Guatemala handcrafting sustainably sourced wooden and fiber tabletop and home accessories. All the materials are locally and sustainably sourced from the Petén jungle. Each piece is a unique expression of the Guatemalan jungle and a testament to the beauty and biodiversity of Petén.
www.itzawood.com

Tierra & Lava captures the healing properties of ancient botanicals by empowering local Mayan farmers. The natural ingredients used in their beauty and personal care products are ethically sourced and uphold traditional Mayan cultural practices. Tierra & Lava sources its natural, organic ingredients from its own organic farm as well as from 17 rural Mayan communities in Guatemala.
www.tierraandlava.com

Torajamelo is a B-Corp certified, PETA vegan approved, artisanal and sustainable slow-lifestyle brand, that celebrates the artistry of Indonesia’s indigenous women weaving communities. Torajamelo facilitates essential market access for more than 1,250 skilled women weavers, and more than 4,800 Indonesian artisans through its market platform AHANNA.
www.torajamelo.com

R.I.S.E Artisan Fund is proud to partner with ByHand Consulting, Powered by People, and Trade+Impact in implementing this grant program to support artisan enterprises around the world.

Initial funding for the program has been provided by the Rucker/Gibbs Family Charitable Fund.  Additional sponsors are invited to join us in investing artisan enterprises around the world.

Created by Realize Impact and Sprout Enterprise®, the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund invests in early stage artisan enterprises creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities with few economic alternatives.