Friends,

I’m writing this as plainly and honestly as I can.

For years, Ethical Trade Co has been sustained by something simple but powerful: people choosing to purchase goods that create dignified work for artisans and farmers around the world. Because of that, we’ve never had to run a formal fundraising campaign.

This year is different.

Right now, we are facing an immediate financial gap. We have a bill due next week for $12,000. As of today, we have just over $5,500 toward it.

That leaves a shortfall of $6,500—and very little time.

I won’t dress this up: if something doesn’t change this week, we will have to make some very hard decisions about the future of this work.

I know this comes at a time when there is a lot going on in the world. Many of you are feeling financial pressure yourselves. I don’t take that lightly.

But I also know this: the artisans and farmers we partner with are even more vulnerable to those same global pressures. Their livelihoods depend on consistent demand from markets like ours. When sales slow here, the impact is felt immediately there.

This is one of those moments where choosing to continue matters.

So I’m asking for two things:

1. Help us bridge this immediate gap.
If you’re able to give a one-time gift this week, it would make a direct and immediate difference in helping us meet this $12,000 obligation.

2. Consider becoming a monthly supporter.
We are working to build a more sustainable foundation moving forward. Our goal is to raise $60,000–$75,000 annually through recurring giving, which would cover core costs like rent, insurance, and essential contractors.

A monthly gift of:

$25/month
$50/month

would help stabilize this work for the long term and reduce the risk of moments like this in the future.

If even a small portion of this community stepped into monthly giving, it would completely change what’s possible for Ethical Trade Co.

Ethical Trade Co is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

This email is not easy to write. We’ve always wanted the work to stand on its own through sales, and we still believe in that model. But right now, we need help to keep going.

If Ethical Trade Co has ever meant something to you—if you believe in creating real alternatives to exploitation through dignified work—I’m asking you to stand with us in this moment.

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for being part of this community. And thank you for continuing to care about the people behind the products.

Gratefully,
James
Co-Founder
Ethical Trade Co

Ethical Trade Co

A critical moment for Ethical Trade Co—and the artisans who depend on this work.

Team Members