October 18, 2006

Nest - Nonprofit Micro-Loan Fund and Shopping Site

John Muir once said, "Everyone needs beauty as well as bread."

So quoth the women who started Nest, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. They'll accomplish this mission "by providing 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." But wait, it gets better, and you can help:

The funds for these loans will be 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. Nest will also develop a line of 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 will also make their crafts available to Nest as repayment for the micro-credit loans. These items, too, will then be incorporated into the Nest line of merchandise. In this way, Nest will draw together artists from across the globe into a cooperative network with a shared vision of mutual support.

When you buy from Nest, you have not only have purchased a unique and beautiful item for yourself or your home, you have participated in a proven effort to better the lives of women all across the globe. Through our work, and your participation, women all over the world will be able to plant their roots in a refuge filled with warmth, solace, comfort and joy. It is our sincere hope that Nest can help you create a home, both for yourself and women the world over, filled with energy, beauty and peace.