Fashion Fights Poverty, first and foremost, works to highlight and support the important work of organizations throughout the world who spend every day addressing the challenges of global poverty. Our legacy of beneficiaries have provide support and critical aid to communities throughout the world, from textile cooperatives in India to beaders in Uganda. Despite their geographic diversity, what unites each organization are their successes in finding creative and innovative ways of fighting poverty and believing in the power and potential entreprenuerism. This year's beneficiary is Nest, with whom FFP is very excited to partner. To learn more, please read below.

NEST (2008)

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.

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 are 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.

AID TO ARTISANS (2007)

Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization, offers practical assistance to artisan groups worldwide, working in partnership to foster artistic traditions, cultural vitality, improved livelihoods and community well-being. Through collaboration in product development, business skills training and development of new markets, Aid to Artisans (ATA) provides sustainable economic and social benefits for crafts people in an environmentally sensitive and culturally respectful manner.

ATA helps artisans in the world's poorest areas create sustainable enterprises through multi-year programs which include:

* Assessment of artisans' needs
* Product design and development
* Market readiness training - a hands-on, results-oriented program - offered on site and at international trade shows
* Development of new local, regional and international markets
* Commercial connections through its Market Link - direct contact between producer and importer.

To learn more about Aid to Artisans, turn to their website»

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BEADFORLIFE (2006)

BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished hard working Africans and North Americans who want to create a world that works for all. Through the production of handmade jewelry made of paper beads, Ugandan women generate income to lift their families out of poverty. Our members are women with HIV/AIDS and refugees from the war in Northern Uganda.

North Americans partner with Ugandans by opening their hearts, homes, and communities to buy and sell the beads. All profits from BeadforLife are invested in community development projects that, along with income generation, help people escape extreme poverty. This circle of caring and participation enriches us all.

To learn more about how FFP and BeadforLife worked together on behalf of Ugandan communities, click on the YouTube video. To learn more about BeadforLife, log onto their website»

US COMMITTEE FOR THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2005)

The U.S. Committee for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP-USA) generates support in America for UNDP's mission and programs that improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

We support development projects in the areas of democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, energy and the environment, and HIV/AIDS by raising funds and educating people in the United States about the invaluable work that UNDP's is engaged in around the world.