Donor360 provides nonprofits and advocates a modern method to effectively fundraise for all kinds of causes. Donor360’s unique approach combines the concepts of GoFundMe and Amazon with a curated catalog of exclusively ethical, organic, Fair Trade, and cruelty-free products. The platform is an ecosystem where nonprofits, advocates, conscious-minded corporations, and forward-thinking brands can all benefit from one another.&nbsp;<h1>Over $14,000 of Ethical Goods Sold in Just a Few Days</h1><a href="https://www.savingpenguins.org/shop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Saving Penguins</a> is a nonprofit whose mission is to save the rapidly declining population of African Penguins. They created their Donor360 fundraising eShop in 2022 and are already seeing massive success. In just a few days, Saving Penguins was able to raise over $14,000 for their African Penguin Nest Project. In their eShop, they sell exclusive, branded, organic apparel and plush toys, as well as specially-designed penguin nests to raise money to save African Penguins from extinction.Each time a supporter purchases an organic cotton t-shirt, Saving Penguins receives 50% of the purchase price. When supporters purchase an organic cotton penguin plushie, the organization receives 100% of the product value. The funds are sent directly to the Dallas Zoo, which funds the African Penguin Nest Project.&nbsp;Penguin lovers are also able to sponsor specially-designed “penguin nests,” that are made to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/23/africa/african-penguin-nest-project-c2e-spc-intl-scn/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">mimic the nests</a> penguins use in the wild. Because of the changing climate and human involvement, the natural material that African Penguins used to build their nests is no longer available. Conservationists spent years designing man-made nests that could provide a safe and comfortable home for penguins to breed and live in. These homes are now saving many penguins from perishing in the harsh, hot South African climate, and hopefully will help bring the penguins’ dwindling population back from the brink of extinction.&nbsp;<h2>Fundraising Made Easy</h2>Saving Penguins is just one example of how Donor360’s unique approach to fundraising can make a huge difference for nonprofits and their projects. Donor360 is completely free to use, making it an extremely powerful and accessible tool for fundraising. Setting up a shop takes only a few minutes, and shops can be embedded directly into an organization’s website. If you are ready to start earning more funds for a cause you care about, register today and open a new avenue of fundraising through ethical eCommerce.&nbsp;

large_bernd-dittrich-1y8wPq5zJYA-unsplash.jpg

medium_bernd-dittrich-1y8wPq5zJYA-unsplash.jpg

small_bernd-dittrich-1y8wPq5zJYA-unsplash.jpg

thumbnail_bernd-dittrich-1y8wPq5zJYA-unsplash.jpg

bernd-dittrich-1y8wPq5zJYA-unsplash.jpg

Donor360 provides nonprofits and advocates a modern method to effectively fundraise for all kinds of causes. Donor360’s unique approach combines the concepts of GoFundMe and Amazon with a curated catalog of exclusively ethical, organic, Fair Trade, and cruelty-free products. 

eShop Highlight: Saving Penguins 

Here are step by step instructions to embed a YouTube Short video url into a campaign/eShop: <ol><li>Go to your Short video on YouTube.</li><li>Click the share button &amp; copy the Short video link or URL or&nbsp;Copy the URL from the address bar directly.</li><li>Open any editor or notepad or new tab window on your browser (to prevent it from directly opening in-app) and&nbsp;Replace "Shorts" with "Watch" on the URL.</li><li>When it opens as a regular video click on the share button again and click on the Embed. After that copy url code and paste the same into your campaign/eShop video url field.</li></ol> That’s it, you’re good to go :)

large_BFG-Web-Banner conflict (2).jpg

medium_BFG-Web-Banner conflict (2).jpg

small_BFG-Web-Banner conflict (2).jpg

thumbnail_BFG-Web-Banner conflict (2).jpg

BFG-Web-Banner conflict (2).jpg

Learn converting YouTube Short video into a embed url that works on your Campaign/eShop on Donor360

Embed YouTube shorts into a campaign/eShop

<h1>How to Start Your Teddy Bear Drive on Donor360</h1>Starting a teddy bear and toy drive on Donor360 is incredibly easy. Begin by heading over to <a href="http://www.donorthreesixty.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">www.donorthreesixty.com</a> and sign in to your account dashboard. If you don’t have an account already, make sure to sign up first.<h2>1. Start a New Campaign</h2>Once you’ve signed in and are on your dashboard, click Start New Campaign. First, you’ll choose what charity you want to support. With Donor360, you can support any of the 1.6 million registered local or national charities in the United States. You’ll need to enter the charity’s exact name or EIN. If you don’t know it, you can find it on <a href="http://www.guidestar.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">www.guidestar.org</a>.&nbsp;<h2>2. Design Your Campaign Page&nbsp;</h2>Donor360 provides beautiful, ready-made campaign pages. Our campaign builder allows you to see how your campaign will look as you edit it in real time. As you input information on the left of the screen, you’ll see the content populate on the right.&nbsp;<h3>Add Descriptive Details</h3>Under the Details tab, you can enter some basic information about your holiday teddy bear drive. Here you will choose a name for your campaign, for example Holiday Teddy Bear Drive Benefiting the Children of Louisville. You’ll be able to create your own campaign URL. We recommend picking something easy to remember so people can find your campaign directly.&nbsp;Next, you’ll pick the monetary goal for the drive. Remember that 30% of the teddy bear or plush toy price will go to the chosen charity and donors will also have the option to add a cash donation when they check out. You can decide how/when your campaign will end - either on a set date or when a certain dollar amount is reached. You can check the charity’s website to see if they need in-kind donations for the holidays by a certain date.The last step on the details page is to tell people about your drive by adding a description. This is your opportunity to give some details about the charity you’re supporting and get donors excited about the cause. If you’d like, you can also add a video here to give supporters an inside look at the nonprofit’s work and goals.&nbsp;<h3>Add Engaging Media</h3>In the Media tab, you have the option to add 1-5 photos that show what your fundraiser is all about. With the charity or organization’s permission, you can use photos from their website to highlight the specific cause you’ll be raising money for. Another option is browsing for stock images online or using photos from past teddy drives you have done.&nbsp;To make your campaign really pop, you can add a video to give donors a look at who they will be helping. If you can’t find a video from the organization on YouTube or Vimeo, you can record a short clip describing why this charity would benefit from donations and why it’s close to your heart. When finished, just add the video’s YouTube or Vimeo embed code to your description to bring it to life.&nbsp;<h2>3. Choose Your Favorite Plushies to Collect</h2>Now, it’s time for the fun part! Take a scroll through the Products tab to choose which plush toys you’d like to include in your holiday campaign. You’ll find all sorts of critters from bears to monkeys to turtles! All plushies are made by <a href="https://www.bearsforhumanity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Bears for Humanity</a> and are organic, Fair Trade and eco-friendly. To make things even sweeter, each time a bear is purchased, Bears for Humanity will donate a second bear to a child in need. <img src="https://cms.donorthreesixty.com/uploads/2_8a93e70812.jpeg"><h2>4. Check and Submit</h2>Before you submit your campaign details for approval, have a look over everything to make sure it looks right on the campaign preview. Once you’ve got everything looking the way you want, click Submit Details. Your campaign will be reviewed by our team and approved within 24 hours.&nbsp;<h2>5. Set Up Donation Configuration</h2>Directly after you submit your campaign for approval, you’ll be able to set up shipping details in Donation Configuration. To have toys delivered directly to the charity, toggle on the Ship for Free to Charity option. When the order is shipped directly to the charity’s address, donors will receive a tax receipt for their entire order.&nbsp;If you have any questions about setting up or running your teddy bear or toy drive with Donor360, feel free to reach out to sneha@donorthreesixty.com.

large_fundraise.jpg

medium_fundraise.jpg

small_fundraise.jpg

thumbnail_fundraise.jpg

fundraise.jpg

Starting a teddy bear and toy drive on Donor360 is incredibly easy. It's as easy as Register > Create > Share. Learn how to create and share your own Teddy Bear Drive today.

How to Start A Teddy Bear Drive on Donor360

Search engine optimization, or SEO, involves making changes to a website’s design or content in order to attract more organic search traffic. Strategic and consistent use of SEO builds your website’s credibility and authority, giving the website a better chance of ranking high in search results. More organic search traffic means that a nonprofit’s mission, stories, and goals will be on display for more potential donors, volunteers, and advocates.&nbsp;<h1>Why Strong SEO for Nonprofits is Essential</h1><img src="https://cms.donorthreesixty.com/uploads/Adobe_Stock_236987927_40db808084.jpeg">With <a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/search-engine-market-share#monthly-201803-201903-bar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">over 90%</a> of the search engine market value, Google has enormous potential to connect nonprofits to current and future supporters. It’s no surprise with the massive amount of searches that Google receives, it has become a very competitive space. Nearly <a href="https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-first-page-clicks/374516/#close" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">30% </a>of Google users will click on the first organic search result that comes up, compared with just 2.5% of users that may click on the tenth post. Very few users will ever continue onto the second page of results. The fight to rank in the top posts leads websites to use paid services like Google Ads, which allow websites to pay to put ads on their content in exchange for better rankings.<h2>4 Tips to Boost Your Nonprofit’s SEO</h2>Most nonprofits and charities likely do not have endless funds to pour into their SEO strategy. The good news is a solid SEO strategy doesn’t have to involve paid ads. Choosing the correct keywords, building high-quality content, building backlinks, and optimizing for user experience all can help to drive more free, organic traffic to your cause.&nbsp;<h2>1. Keywords</h2>Keywords allow you to strategically direct your content to a motivated audience that wants to know more about your organization’s cause. There are many tools available that can help you choose the best keywords to use to create content. Various factors are involved when determining whether or not to use a keyword, but two of the most important are search volume and competition. Search volume gives a good indication of how many people are currently searching for a keyword, and a competition or difficulty score will tell you how much content around that keyword already exists.&nbsp;When planning content, create a list of potential keywords then run them through free sites like <a href="https://serpstat.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Serpstat</a> to determine search volume and competition level. Once you have a list of good keywords that have the potential to rank, you can use them to create content for your website pages and blog. Blog articles can be built around individual keywords or you can go back in and add keywords to previously written articles. Keywords should also be used in titles, headings, and subheadings when appropriate. If you are having trouble coming up with potential keywords, try putting another keyword into <a href="https://keywordtool.io/google" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">keywordtool.io</a>, which will generate a list of related keywords or phrases.&nbsp;<h2>2.&nbsp;Create Quality Content&nbsp;</h2>Every day Google is getting smarter at determining how well a website’s content is able to answer users’ questions and concerns. While keywords provide a roadmap that content can be built around, it’s important that the content is useful, accurate, and informative. When planning new blogs, have a look at similar posts that are currently ranking well on Google. In your article, try to fill in any content gaps that these articles may have missed. If possible, it’s always a good rule of thumb to write an article with a larger word count than the current highest-ranking articles.&nbsp;<h2>3. Use Backlinks to Boost SEO&nbsp;</h2>The correct keywords will guide you to write sought-after content. Providing thorough and engaging articles based on these keywords will help your organization’s articles rank high in search results. Once content begins to rank, supporters, advocates, journalists, and related organizations can link directly to your nonprofit’s articles on their own websites and in their blogs.Backlinks can help to expand an organization’s name, mission, and goals to new audiences and increase the chances of connecting with motivated donors or supporters. They also boost your credibility within google’s algorithm. Over time, building up high-quality backlinks from trusted websites with authority will help <a href="https://www.digitalmarketing.org/blog/how-to-increase-website-traffic-and-use-backlinks#:~:text=Backlinks%20help%20websites%20increase%20their,actually%20increase%20your%20website%20traffic." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">drive traffic</a> to your organization’s content as well. To help create more opportunities for backlinks, nonprofits can offer to write guest blogs for similar organizations or related websites, as well as invite guest writers to write for their blogs.<h2>4. Optimize Your Website</h2>A website should be easy and straightforward to navigate. A site map can help lead visitors to find engaging, accurate, and thorough content. The content provided should accurately reflect the keywords chosen. It can also be of great benefit to consider optimizing a website for different types of devices. <a href="https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7808-google-search-ranking-mobile.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Mobile optimization</a> is especially important these days, as so many people use their phones to work, communicate, and connect. Factors such as <a href="https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-speed-update-is-rolling-out-now-for-all-users/260293/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">website speed</a> also impact your website’s ability to rank well.&nbsp;<h2>Grow Your Organization’s Reach with Strategic SEO&nbsp;</h2>SEO strategy is multi-faceted and always evolving. There are ways to optimize searchability for an organization’s website, social media, email, and whatever other outlets they use to provide content to supporters. If done correctly, optimizing SEO for separate channels can have a compounding effect since vital keywords will be shared throughout an organization’s media and marketing materials. Over time these small practices can lead to new relationships with donors and volunteers as well as stronger bonds with current supporters.&nbsp;

large_AdobeStock_243104248.jpeg

medium_AdobeStock_243104248.jpeg

small_AdobeStock_243104248.jpeg

thumbnail_AdobeStock_243104248.jpeg

AdobeStock_243104248.jpeg

Search engine optimization, or SEO, involves making changes to a website’s design or content in order to attract more organic search traffic. Strategic and consistent use of SEO builds your website’s credibility and authority, giving the website a better chance of ranking high in search results. More organic search traffic means that a nonprofit’s mission, stories, and goals will be on display for more potential donors, volunteers, and advocates. 

4 Factors That Boost SEO for Nonprofits

There are many channels available to nonprofits to communicate and interact with their supporters. It is important to tell your <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/blog/storytelling-the-best-nonprofit-marketing-strategy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">nonprofit’s story</a> through different platforms in order to connect with supporters whose donations habits vary. YouTube is a channel that takes some time to establish, but once up and running it can be of huge benefit to nonprofits and charity organizations. Whether you are looking to expand your nonprofit’s advocate and donor base, market for an upcoming fundraiser, or keep supporters engaged and inspired, YouTube has a lot to offer.&nbsp;<img src="https://cms.donorthreesixty.com/uploads/Adobe_Stock_330161857_2c69b5af3e.jpeg"><h1>YouTube: Modern Marketing for a Nonprofit&nbsp;</h1>Nearly <a href="https://socialimpact.youtube.com/why-youtube/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">a third of all </a>internet users regularly watch YouTube videos. Video has a unique ability to engage people and can be a powerful tool for storytelling. YouTube is accessed by people across many different demographics, including students, professionals, teachers, parents, and everyone in between. The platform offers a way to share content that informs, teaches, and inspires, as well as a way to open direct lines of communication with one’s audience. Youtube is free to use, and if used correctly can actually be of huge financial benefit when marketing a nonprofit.<h2>1. Tap into an Enormous Pool of Potential Supporters&nbsp;</h2>Nearly <a href="https://socialimpact.youtube.com/why-youtube/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">1.5 billion</a> people use YouTube each month. YouTube is more than another social media channel, it is an enormous search engine that can connect a nonprofit to motivated supporters. YouTube reaches more people between the ages of <a href="https://socialimpact.youtube.com/why-youtube/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">18 and 34</a> than any U.S. cable network. Young adults of this age group live large parts of their lives online and are big consumers of social media. It's no surprise that they also <a href="https://www.charitableimpact.com/blog/differences-in-giving-by-generations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">prefer to go online</a> to connect with and donate to their favorite charity organizations. YouTube offers a great way to effectively communicate with this large, motivated audience of volunteers, donors, and advocates.&nbsp;Viewer engagement for posts on Instagram or Facebook generally peaks very quickly and then quickly loses traction. YouTube videos, on the other hand, tend to gain more interest over time. Nurturing a community on YouTube is a commitment, however, during this period of growth, sharing content builds trust with supporters and creates a sense of unity among viewers. As you share your nonprofit’s mission, triumphs, and challenges, supporters, and volunteers gain valuable insight into an organization’s dedication to its cause and how they can fit into that purpose.<h2>2. Supporters can Donate Directly from YouTube</h2>The <a href="https://socialimpact.youtube.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">YouTube Social Impact</a> program was created to support nonprofits using YouTube to market for their causes. The program includes vital information on how to use YouTube effectively as a tool for marketing for a nonprofit, as well as stories of other nonprofits who are currently using YouTube to create a bigger impact. A nonprofit’s supporters are able to make <a href="https://socialimpact.youtube.com/how-to/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">direct donations</a> from the organization’s videos. YouTube also equips nonprofits with special “Link Anywhere” cards that enable them to link to any URL. These tools give nonprofits the ability to use their content to its fullest when it comes to driving motivated donors to give. For organizations that build up a large following, YouTube ads can be inserted into videos creating yet another stream of income for the nonprofit’s mission.<h2>3. YouTube Allows You to Communicate Directly with Supporters</h2>Video offers a unique way to connect with an audience on a deeper emotional level. Sharing videos of the work your organization is doing gives supporters an inside look at who or what benefits from the program and why it is so necessary. Sharing regular content of a program’s progress shows supporters that their donations are making a difference and reinforces why they continue to donate their money or time to the cause. The comments section allows supporters to share stories, ideas, and motivation behind their dedication to the organization. This sharing of ideas builds a sense of community among donors and the nonprofit and helps supporters feel personally connected to the cause.<h2>4. Video is a Powerful Way to Tell a Story</h2>Video has been a powerful marketing tool for a long time as it enables viewers to connect on a deeper emotional level than images, text, or audio alone. Nonprofits are beginning to tap into this previously lesser-used medium to connect with supporters, donors, and advocates in an innovative way. Video can be used to give a complete picture of a nonprofit’s work. While written stories or testimonials are powerful, video allows for an inside look that lets viewers connect emotionally with the story they see. If possible, try to include videos of the population, place, or people that are impacted by your nonprofit's program, including personal testimonials when appropriate. In this <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2021/04/26/10-ways-nonprofits-can-leverage-visual-storytelling/?sh=1569b12389ec" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">article</a>, 10 leaders from Forbes Nonprofit Council discuss why video is so impactful for a nonprofit’s audience and engagement rate.&nbsp;<h2>Create Deeper Connections with Your Nonprofit’s Audience</h2>In the end, a nonprofit’s audience is one of its most valuable assets. Without a motivated base of support, it would be very difficult for nonprofits and charity organizations to accomplish their goals. Taking the time to expand and nurture an audience pays off in more ways than one. Aside from increasing donations, channels like YouTube can also help a nonprofit connect with new volunteers and advocates, share ideas and stories, as well as communicate and maintain relationships with supporters.

large_AdobeStock_419893758.jpeg

medium_AdobeStock_419893758.jpeg

small_AdobeStock_419893758.jpeg

thumbnail_AdobeStock_419893758.jpeg

AdobeStock_419893758.jpeg

There are many channels available to nonprofits to communicate and interact with their supporters. It is important to tell your nonprofit’s story through different platforms in order to connect with supporters whose donations habits vary. YouTube is a channel that takes some time to establish, but once up and running it can be of huge benefit to nonprofits and charity organizations. Whether you are looking to expand your nonprofit’s advocate and donor base, market for an upcoming fundraiser, or keep supporters engaged and inspired, YouTube has a lot to offer. 

4 Reasons to Use Youtube when Marketing for a Nonprofit

Nearly <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-in-the-us/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption/#:~:text=Currently%2C%2088%20percent%20of%20U.S.,engineered%2C%20insect%2Dresistant%20seeds." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">90% of cotton</a> is planted with genetically modified seeds in the United States. The ‘conventional’ process to grow cotton creates mass amounts of environmental contamination and the cotton itself is showered with chemicals, making it one of the dirtiest crops around. These contaminants and growing methods have far-reaching environmental impacts on the globe and in our homes. To avoid chemicals and pollutants sneaking into your home through cotton products, it”s advisable to switch to organic cotton clothing.<h1>The Dangers of GMO Cotton</h1>Genetically modified cotton boasts plenty of seemingly-positive attributes, such as high resistance to cotton pests like bollworms. The cotton seeds are genetically modified so that the plants contain a protein toxic to pests. This sounds good, however, the insects are able to quickly adapt to the insecticidal proteins in the cotton. In the end, farmers still need to use heavy doses of chemical pesticides to keep the pests at bay as well as chemical fertilizers.Today big-name conventional cotton manufacturers attempt to paint GMO cotton as a superior product, claiming it yields more product and uses less water. However, the truth is GMO cotton raises serious health and environmental concerns.<h2>Toxic Chemicals</h2>As it grows, GMO cotton is exposed to large amounts of commercial pesticides or herbicides in an attempt to ward off pests and increase production. Glyphosate (the chemical found in Roundup) is the most commonly-used chemical pesticide on numerous crops around the world, including cotton. In 2019 the chemical was proven to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383574218300887" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">increase the risk</a> of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%. Farmers, especially those in rural or developing areas with fewer safety protocols, suffer the risk of inhaling carcinogens after repeated exposure to pesticides.&nbsp;Chemical traces in cotton can also be absorbed through the skin while the material is being processed, or while being worn or used by consumers. Babies learn through interacting with their environments using all of their senses. If toys or clothing contain chemical traces, they can be absorbed through the child’s mouth or the skin. Since oftentimes these chemicals are not explicitly included in the label, or not included at all, children may suffer from allergies or skin reactions from hidden chemicals found in “safe” products.&nbsp;<h2>Water Waste</h2>The apparel industry is notorious for <a href="https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/sustainable-fashion/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">wasting huge amounts of energy and water</a>. One claim of GMO cotton proponents is that the process requires much less water than traditional cotton farming. In reality, harsh chemical pesticides destroy the soil composition and make it hard for the soil to conserve water for drier times.&nbsp;The pesticides also disperse and contaminate any nearby water sources. Fibers and materials nonprofit, Textile Exchange, compared Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of GMO cotton and organic cotton and found that the organic process did in fact <a href="https://textileexchange.org/quick-guide-to-organic-cotton/?gclid=CjwKCAiA1JGRBhBSEiwAxXblwZu7WZoNkECee0GwJRKDXUMRb8mUZX-IQZmclt_BsXOjLNaeJchtxBoCkXkQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">use less water</a> as well as remove the risk of chemical contamination of nearby water sources.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>The True Value of Organic Cotton</h1>As consumers become more aware of the hidden dangers lurking in GMO cotton products, more innovative brands step up and commit to using organic cotton. It’s now possible to find all sorts of products, from <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/allmade" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">clothing</a> to <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/bears-for-humanity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">teddy bears</a> to diapers, that are made with 100% organic cotton. The only snag is that these items often come with a higher price tag, which may discourage some from making the switch to go organic.&nbsp;While at first, it may seem like paying more for almost the same product, the truth is the process to make organic cotton is entirely different than conventional methods. While GMO cotton fibers can be processed, cut, sewn, and dyed in one factory, producing certified 100% organic cotton requires separate steps and much more attention to detail. In order for a material or fabric to pass the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) testing, the fabric is examined and tested to ensure zero contamination occurred at any step in production.&nbsp;Often brands that have committed to creating an organic product rely on small-scale, artisanal, and Fair Trade workshops to complete the time-consuming process of making organic cotton. This means workers are paid a fair living wage, do not face a dangerous or toxic work environment, and can expect a regular work schedule, unlike factories that pay per piece.&nbsp;<h1>Find Organic Cotton Clothing &amp; Toys on Donor360</h1>If you are interested in supporting organic cotton brands and their mission to make the world a cleaner, greener place, you can get started right here on Donor360. <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/allmade" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Allmade</a> is an innovative apparel brand that is dedicated to creating customizable, organic clothing while paying its employees a fair living wage. For 100% organic teddy bears and plushies for kids, check out <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/bears-for-humanity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Bears for Humanity</a>. Their cuddly bears are perfect for kids of all ages and guaranteed to be hypoallergenic and free of any chemicals or heavy metals.&nbsp;

large_cotton

medium_cotton

small_cotton

thumbnail_cotton

cotton

Nearly 90% of cotton is planted with genetically modified seeds in the United States. The ‘conventional’ process to grow cotton creates mass amounts of environmental contamination and the cotton itself is showered with chemicals, making it one of the dirtiest crops. To avoid chemicals and pollutants sneaking into your home through cotton products, it”s advisable to switch to organic cotton clothing.

Why Buy Organic Clothing made with Cotton

Donor360 believes that ethical, eco-friendly, and responsible products are the only option when fundraising via commerce. Selling coffee is a popular fundraising strategy amongst PTAs, churches, and clubs. However, coffee has <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/blog/why-drinking-fair-trade-and-organic-coffee-matters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">a history of treating farmers unfairly and disregarding the care of the environment.&nbsp;</a>Various environmental and human rights issues are deeply intertwined with coffee production. <a href="https://foodispower.org/our-food-choices/coffee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Slavery, child labor, animal exploitation, pollution, and the destruction of wildlife</a> are just a few of the serious byproducts of the world’s obsession with coffee.&nbsp;That’s why we have recently added four innovative, ethical coffee brands to our curated catalog. We worked hard to find the best USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade, and sustainable coffee brands to work with and provide you to fundraise with. Read more about each of these special ethical coffee companies below. We think you'll love them!<h1>Conscious Coffees</h1><img src="https://cms.donorthreesixty.com/uploads/Conscious_Coffees_Product_offering_on_Donor360_d1a37be86e.png" alt="Conscious Coffees Product offering on Donor360" width="542" style="display: block; margin: auto;"><a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/conscious-coffees" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Conscious Coffees</a> is a Colorado-based roaster committed to creating a socially responsible cup of coffee. As a Certified B Corporation, Conscious Coffees makes it their mission to give back to their community, the environment and their workers through ethical and eco-friendly business practices. In 2021, <a href="https://www.consciouscoffees.com/impact" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">they were ranked in the top 5% of all Certified B Corps internationally as a Best for the World winner.</a> Conscious Coffees works with Cooperative Coffees to import their green coffee beans to promote lasting trade relationships that benefit small-scale farmers.&nbsp;Conscious Coffees source their green coffee beans from small-scale farms around the world. One of these delicious brews, <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/eshop/conscious-coffee-s-charity-eshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Ethiopian Single Origin Coffee</a>, comes from the Telamo Co-op in the Sidama region of Ethiopia. This is the second-largest Co-op in this area of the country with over 4,000 members. By enjoying a cup of Ethiopian Single Origin, you are helping the Telamo Co-op provide fair wages and improve the local Ethiopian community.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/eshop/conscious-coffee-s-charity-eshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Dark Star House Blend</a> is another great choice for those who love a heavier-bodied cup of coffee. This blend comes from various beans in Latin America. Its richness makes it great to enjoy on its own or with a healthy dose of heavy cream.<h1>Equal Exchange</h1>As an entirely worker-owned cooperative, each employee at <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/equal-exchange" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Equal Exchange</a> owns a share of the company. Since 1986 they have been revolutionaries in Free Trade coffee in the US market. Equal Exchange is dedicated to supporting the growth and stability of small-scale farms around the world and has teamed up with other like-minded organizations to promote these ideals.Equal Exchange’s coffee is some of the best around. As they put it, “Our coffee embodies our collective beliefs in sustainability and human dignity—No surprise why it tastes so good!”Their Organic Love Buzz Coffee is a proven crowd-favorite due to its sweet yet complex flavor notes that make it an easy cup to enjoy. The Organic French Roast is a dark roast suitable for those that love a dense mouthfeel of rich chocolate fudge. Rest assured there are no added flavors or sugars in these delicious coffees, the sweet and satisfying taste is all-natural.<h1>Grounds &amp; Hounds Coffee</h1>If you are a dog lover and a coffee enthusiast, <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/grounds-and-hounds-coffee-co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Grounds &amp; Hounds Coffee</a> is for you! In 2012 founder Jordan Karcher stumbled upon a special pup who became his companion and inspired a coffee brand dedicated to saving some of the two million dogs euthanized each year. Grounds &amp; Hounds Coffee donates 20% of its profits to canine rescue programs across the US. Instead of simply working to increase adoption rates, these innovative programs utilize initiatives that lower the overall number of dogs who need to be taken into shelters.&nbsp;Grounds &amp; Hounds coffee beans come from all over the world and are USDA Certified Organic and sourced according to Fair Trade standards. The coffee is roasted in small batches in the US, guaranteeing quality and rich flavor in each sip. Morning Walk Breakfast Blend™ is a mild, light roast that makes the perfect pair for a morning stroll with your four-legged friend. Alpha Blend™ Dark Roast has been G&amp;H’s top-selling blend since day one. Featuring beans from Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra, this coffee is a go-to for all dark roast coffee lovers.&nbsp;<h1>Counter Culture Coffee</h1>Our last, but not least, new ethical coffee supplier, <a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/brands/counter-culture-coffee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Counter Culture Coffee</a>, has been pushing the limits of the coffee industry since they began in 1995. In 1997 <a href="https://counterculturecoffee.com/about-us/history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CCC introduced one of the first-ever shade-grown coffees with the intention of making the industry more bird-friendly.</a> Since then they have continued to challenge traditional coffee-making methods by working “beyond Fair Trade” through direct relationships with farmers. We chose to work with CCC because they are happy to pay more for their beans as it greatly benefits farmers and provides customers with a higher-quality product.At one point, Counter Culture Coffee had over 100 different coffees on the list of its offerings. They have trimmed down and perfected this list while preserving the favorites. Forty-Six is the best-selling blend that is perfect for those who love a dark, sweet, and smokey roast. Another popular blend is Fast Forward, which offers a constantly-changing combination of peak-season beans from Central America. Farmers and roasters work hard to consistently provide a balance of nutty and sweet flavors that Latin American coffee is known for.&nbsp;<h1>Making the World a Better Place with Each Sip</h1>Although we each enjoy our cup a little differently, we can choose to make a difference for farmers and the environment depending on where we buy our coffee. Donor360 has worked hard to curate a catalog full of products you can feel confident about fundraising with. You can do more than just help your own organization by reselling products that serve the earth and its people, such as ethical coffee from these awesome suppliers.&nbsp;If you are interested in featuring these innovative brands on your charity or nonprofit’s Donor360 eShop, learn more by contacting our fundraising synergist and storyteller kristen@donorthreesixty.com.&nbsp;

large_Equal Exchange Products 

medium_Equal Exchange Products 

small_Equal Exchange Products 

thumbnail_Equal Exchange Products 

Equal Exchange Products 

We have recently released products from four ethical coffee companies to our curated catalog! Read on to find out the scoop behind each of these extra special brands. 

New Ethical Coffee Brands Added to the Donor360 Marketplace

The world consumes an estimated 7.2 million metric tons of chocolate each year, making it one of the top-selling commodities in the world. Due to the world’s love of chocolate, fundraising by selling chocolate is one of the most popular routes to raise funds. For example, each year, thousands of schools, clubs, and non-profit organizations raise money by selling See’s Candy.&nbsp;However, the dark side of the chocolate industry makes the practice of fundraising with chocolate an ethical dilemma. Most non-profit organizations and charities only desire to do good for the world, but by selling chocolate that is not Fair Trade or Organic, organizations are contributing to an industry that thrives off child slave labor and harms the environment.&nbsp;In order to raise money while selling chocolate ethically, non-profits and charities must sell chocolate that is Fair Trade and organic. If they don’t, they run the risk of supporting slave labor and dangerous growing practices. Read on for our five reasons to fundraise with Fair Trade and organic chocolate brands.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">1. Fair Trade Chocolate Doesn’t Use Child Labor</h1>Most of the world’s raw chocolate comes from West Africa. According to a report by the U.S. Labor Department in 2015, more than 2 million children were engaged in dangerous labor in the cocoa-growing regions of West Africa. In 2010, major chocolate companies like Hershey’s, Mars, and Nestle’ committed to reducing child labor by 70% by 2020, but a leaked study by the University of Chicago shows that&nbsp;<a href="https://humantraffickingsearch.org/after-decades-of-voluntary-corporate-efforts-child-labor-is-still-being-used-to-make-chocolate/?gclid=CjwKCAiA9vOABhBfEiwATCi7GAJRouhLe9Yv4dDUefgSpLnjxs8-HwA2ssBSeW6XnUZCdGU6jMNGnRoCkPoQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">there is actually more child labor happening now than in 2014</a>.To be certified Fair Trade, a chocolate company must prove that no child labor, forced labor, or slave labor is used to harvest and process the cacao where their chocolate comes from. Fair Trade certifiers have strict guidelines and require companies to trace their supply chain and be transparent. By fundraising with Fair Trade chocolate brands, such as TCHO Chocolate and Alter Eco, you can be assured that your organization is not inadvertently supporting child slave labor.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">2. Fair Trade Chocolate Helps Ensure Farmers Get Paid a Fair Living Wage</h1><img src="https://donor360-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/img_60398f12a60c25-63021821-13172310-md.jpg">Most cacao farmers live on less than a dollar a day, due to the extremely low price of cacao and chocolate. Although they work tirelessly, their crops can barely bring them enough money to eat. This causes many farmers to take shortcuts in their processes, utilize slave labor, and work in dangerous ways.&nbsp;Fair Trade standards ensure that chocolate farmers get paid a fair living wage, even when volatile market prices fluctuate, by requiring a minimum price per pound. After global cocoa prices dropped by almost one-third in 2018, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/18/1702117/0/en/Fairtrade-Announces-New-Minimum-Price-for-Cocoa-Establishes-Living-Income-Benchmarks.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">Fairtrade Minimum Price</a>&nbsp;for conventional cocoa was raised from $2,000 to $2,400 per metric ton of traditionally grown cocoa and to $2,700 for organically grown cocoa. This means that cocoa farmers who grow by Fair Trade standards know they can always expect a good price for their product. If the global market price rises above this minimum, they can negotiate for an even better price.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">3. Fair Trade Chocolate Supports Communities</h1>Farmers that operate by Fair Trade standards also receive an extra community fund amount on top of what they get paid for their chocolate. That money is deposited into an account where a co-operative of farmers can decide democratically how they want to use the money to improve their businesses and communities.&nbsp;For example, they may spend a portion of the money investing in their processing equipment to become more efficient and profitable. They might dedicate another portion to becoming more sustainable and another portion to improving the lives of workers and surrounding community members, like improving roads or providing education.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">4. Organic Chocolate is Better for the Environment and Farmers</h1>Conventional chocolate and sugar are grown with the help of harsh chemical herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides. These chemicals are linked to numerous health risks, and not only pose a threat to the farmers using them but also to the land the chocolate and sugar are grown on. Farmers in developing countries often don’t have the protective gear necessary to safeguard them from the effects of harsh chemicals. When these chemicals end up in the soil, they can have devastating effects on ecosystems on a farm and surrounding areas.&nbsp;Organically grown chocolate and sugar are produced using biodynamic and organic fertilizers and pest deterrents. These natural products pose little to no risk to farmers and the environment where chocolate and sugar are grown. Organic growing methods protect farmers and the planet. Likewise, organic cacao is often grown in a more sustainable way. Conventional chocolate farms often clear forests to make huge plots in the sun, which destroys the balance of the soil and surrounding ecosystems.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">5. Organic Chocolate is Better to Consume&nbsp;</h1>Organic chocolate doesn’t contain traces of nasty chemicals. When you consume organic chocolate, you’re consuming something grown in a healthier way, most likely by a small farm that deserves your support. By only fundraising with organic chocolate, you’re enabling your supporters to make a healthier choice and avoid products that may contain harmful chemicals.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">Get Started Today</h1>Now that you know all the reasons to fundraise with organic and Fair Trade chocolate instead of See’s candy, you’re probably excited to get started! Donor360 makes it easy to do just that. Our catalog is full of not just amazing organic and Fair Trade chocolate, but also coffee, stuffed animals, and more.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/signup" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">Create an account</a>&nbsp;with Donor360 to get started! Have more questions? Talk to our fundraising specialist, Kristen, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sydney@donorthreesixty.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">kristen@donorthreesixty.com</a>.&nbsp;

large_chocolates.jpg

medium_chocolates.jpg

small_chocolates.jpg

thumbnail_chocolates.jpg

chocolates.jpg

The dark side of the chocolate industry makes the practice of fundraising with chocolate an ethical dilemma. Most non-profit organizations and charities only desire to do good for the world, but by selling chocolate that is not Fair Trade or Organic, organizations are contributing to an industry that thrives off child slave labor and harms the environment.

5 Reasons to Fundraise with Organic and Fair Trade Chocolate

In recent years, concern about the potential dangers of harsh chemicals in baby and children’s products has led to a rise in organic baby foods and clothing. However, many parents haven’t yet considered that their children’s toys may contain harmful additives and chemicals. Toy manufacturers are often more concerned with profits than with making a safe product.&nbsp;All parents want to protect their children from potentially harmful materials, especially when they are in important developmental stages. Organic toys for children are a healthy alternative made from eco-friendly, safe materials.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">What’s wrong with non-organic toys?</h1>The corporate toy market produces goods that are easily constructed and cheaply disposable, which are good for passing trends and changing interests. This approach isn’t necessarily good for the environment or for the children who will be repeatedly exposed to their products.&nbsp;From the oil extraction to produce LEGO sets to the artificial stuffing pumped into cheap plushies and the heavy metals in paints that pose exposure risks for kids, the toy industry often overlooks safety and environmental health when making their products. In fact, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/environmental_risks/docs/scher_o_121.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">Scientific Committee On Health and Environmental Risks in the EU</a>&nbsp;found that there was a considerable threat in the inhalation of CRMs (carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic) from multiple toys on the market.&nbsp;Teething babies can be exposed to harmful materials on the surface level of toys as they erode over time from continuously being bit. In the long term, plastics, formaldehyde, and even common fire retardants used in toys can present health risks to kids’ skin, hair, and eyes both immediately and later in life according to the same report from the EU.&nbsp;<h1 class="ql-align-center">What makes organic toys better?</h1>Conscious consumers and parents are choosing to buy organic toys for several reasons. Organic toys tend to be safer for children as well as safer for the environment. Because the corporate toy industry hasn’t produced many organic toys yet, buying organic toys often supports small businesses as well.&nbsp;<h2>Organic Toys are Safer For Children</h2>Organic toys for children are built with the clear intention of keeping children safe from CRMs and other byproducts of inorganic production. To even earn the label of being an organic toy, the product must be completely grown and processed organically, with no chemical additives in the manufacturing process. Dyes come from natural plant sources, stuffing and plush are sourced naturally, and hard materials can be made from wood without pesticides.&nbsp;The Global Organic Textile Standard is an international cooperative managing the definition and labeling of organic textiles. For toys, this mostly applies to stuffed animals and plush toys. Toys labeled as ‘organic’ by the GOTS must be made from at least 95% organic fibers or can be labeled as ‘made with organic materials’ if it’s made from at least 70% organic fibers. Children’s toys can be reviewed under&nbsp;<a href="https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features/ecological-and-social-criteria" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">these global standards</a>&nbsp;to test their organic quality.&nbsp;<h2>Organic Toys are Safer for the Environment</h2>Organic toy manufacturers have also adopted a more eco-friendly approach than other toy brands. By creating longer-lasting products, with recycled and organic materials, they’ve minimized waste. It’s an approach that’s disrupted the toy industry. Industry giants have followed in that leadership, with LEGO planning to replace its storied plastic bricks with new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/lego-pledges-to-ditch-plastic-packaging-for-recyclable-paper-bags" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">bio-bricks made of organic materials by 2030.</a>&nbsp;<h2>Organic Toys Support Small and Ethical Businesses</h2>Larger corporations and big businesses are the most likely to deliver non-organic toys to children. Taking the time to find small companies that care about the safety of children and the environment is a great way to support small business and the organic toy industry. By refusing to buy dangerous toys that are harmful to the environment, you can ‘vote with your dollar’ to reject the irresponsible side of the toy-making industry. Supporting the manufacture of organic toys supports the small businesses that have pioneered the success of similar products.&nbsp;One of our favorite organic toy manufacturers is Bears for Humanity. They produce a variety of stuffed animals, such as eagles, giraffes, and classic teddy bears. The toys are hypoallergenic, free of harmful plastics and chemicals, and 100% certified by the GOTS. Bears for Humanity also uses a ‘Buy one, give one’ model, which means that whenever you buy a toy from Bears for Humanity, a child in need also receives a stuffed animal. “It’s a gift to feel good about,”&nbsp;they say.&nbsp; <img src="http://localhost:1337/uploads/bears_for_humanity_toys_9533918819.jpg"> <h1 class="ql-align-center">Support the Organic Toy Industry &amp; the Greater Good</h1>Bears for Humanity plush toys can be purchased on Donor360 through several fundraisers already being hosted.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/campaign/kidstoparks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">These</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/campaign/heartofemerson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">campaigns</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/campaign/ElaynasBearsthatCare" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">feature</a>&nbsp;Bears for Humanity organic toys. Or, if you're looking to raise money for a good cause, then you can use Bears for Humanity's organic toys to further your own fundraisers. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/signup" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">here</a>&nbsp;to start your first fundraiser on Donor360.&nbsp;

large_organic-toys-for-children.jpg

medium_organic-toys-for-children.jpg

small_organic-toys-for-children.jpg

thumbnail_organic-toys-for-children.jpg

organic-toys-for-children.jpg

In recent years, concern about the potential dangers of harsh chemicals in baby and children’s products has led to a rise in organic baby foods and clothes. However, many parents haven’t yet considered that their children’s toys may contain harmful additives and chemicals.

Are Organic Toys Safer for Children?

The coffee industry is in a state of emergency. Coffee is&nbsp;one of the most in-demand commodities on the planet, with the global coffee industry worth over $200 billion. Yet, many coffee farmers struggle just to feed their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;This global coffee crisis is due to the incredibly cheap price of coffee. Coffee farms, many of which are located in developing countries, are struggling to cover their costs, let alone make a profit. They are forced to lower their standards, lower wages or fire workers, and grow in a hazardous or unsustainable way. We contribute to this problem when we purchase cheap coffee from companies that value ease and speed over quality and fair wages.&nbsp;<h1>You Can Help by Drinking Fair Trade and Organic Coffee</h1><img src="https://donor360-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/img_6000b0a86ddf02-11321120-65094247-md.jpg" height="151" width="227">All of us can impact the coffee industry in a positive way. By purchasing Fair Trade and organic coffee, you can ‘vote with your dollar’ for a quality product, ethical farming practices, and fair living wages for coffee growers. Read on to see how drinking Fair Trade and organic coffee can help with the global coffee crisis.<h2>Fair Trade Helps Farmers Get Paid Fairly</h2>&nbsp;The incredibly cheap price of coffee is one of the main culprits of the global coffee crisis.&nbsp;Something called the ‘C Price’ largely dictates what a coffee grower can sell a bag of coffee for on the market. The ‘C Price’ is what coffee is sold as a commodity for on the New York Stock Exchange. Although this doesn’t directly control how much a supplier will be able to sell their coffee for, it is the basic guideline for anyone buying or selling coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The C Price dropped from $2 a pound in 2014 to a 14 year low of 89 cents a pound in 2019. At this price, almost any coffee producer would be selling at a loss. This means debts pile up, laborers’ wages are slashed or they’re fired, and communities go hungry.&nbsp;Although the reasons for the volatile coffee price are complex, Fair Trade Coffee offers a solution. The Fair Trade minimum price guarantees those who sell on fair trade terms at least $1.40 per pound, or $1.70 per pound if the coffee is also certified organic. This is only a minimum benchmark, and if the market price goes over the benchmark, then coffee growers would be able to trade at a higher price.&nbsp;Having a minimum price helps coffee farmers make smarter investments, hire and pay workers with confidence, and feed their families.<h2>Fair Trade Terms Help Communities</h2><img src="https://donor360-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/img_6000b0bb6d3c26-03949820-42569568-md.jpg" height="342" width="228">An estimated 90 percent of globally traded coffee comes from developing countries, and the global coffee crisis has&nbsp;hit poor, rural communities the hardest. In some cases, the health and welfare of an entire community depend on the success of a single farm. In places like Guatemala, coffee farmers who are forced to operate at a loss because of the falling market price of coffee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2019/06/19/why-are-people-leaving-central-america/?sh=5c9f071b6c51" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">sometimes abandon their farms and attempt to migrate to the US</a>&nbsp;in hopes of a better life.&nbsp;Fair Trade coffee is sold with terms that help communities. On top of the minimum benchmark price, producers also earn an extra $.20 on each pound of coffee sold on fair trade terms for their Community Development Fund. From this fund, coffee farmers in their cooperative can vote democratically on how they want to allocate their funds.Farmers can put this money towards supporting their communities on a social, economical, or environmental level. At least 25 percent of this money must go to improving their own operations, by leveling up their productivity and quality initiatives. This helps farms be more resilient in the face of climate change and a volatile market.&nbsp;<h2>Fair Trade Encourages Healthy Growing Practices</h2>When farmers are operating at a loss due to lowered market prices, they often are forced to cut costs by any means. They may begin to use unsafe methods to grow their crops more cheaply. In some cases, they are compelled to fire workers and rely on chemicals more than labor. Instead of growing coffee in its natural, shady environment, they may grow hybrid plants in full sun. These hybrids can be harvested more quickly and planted more densely. This puts the farm at risk of soil erosion and destroys the natural balance of the local ecosystem.&nbsp;When farmers are being paid an adequate amount for their products, they are able to maintain healthy growing practices and invest in environmentally sustainable processes. Although Fair Trade USA doesn’t require coffee growers to operate organically, they do offer a premium price for organic coffee. They also have an Agricultural Production standard that, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairtradecertified.org/news/fair-trade-coffee-myths" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">Fair Trade USA website</a>, includes ‘a range of environmental protections with criteria related to efficient water usage; protection of biodiversity, forests, and waterways; prevention of the use of GMOs and reduction of harmful pesticides; utilization of techniques for integrated pest management and soil health; and waste disposal management.’Luckily, more organically grown coffees are certified as Fair Trade than ‘conventionally’ grown coffees. Between 1998 and 2018, Fair Trade USA certified around 1.06 billion pounds of organic coffee. They only certified 780 million pounds of conventional coffee.&nbsp;<h2>Organic Coffee Is Grown Without Chemicals</h2>Meeting the huge demand for coffee around the world, at incredibly cheap prices has not been easy on farmers. As a result, farmers are forced to grow coffee in a way that puts themselves, the environment, and the consumer at risk.&nbsp;Conventionally grown coffee is one of the most heavily chemically treated foods in the world. Growers use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides in order to increase production with less manpower. These chemicals are harmful to the workers who handle them and to surrounding communities who are subjected to them through air or water.&nbsp;Farmers grow organic coffee without chemicals. You know that by drinking an organic cup of joe, you’re not inadvertently contributing to the poisoning of a village’s water supply. Organic practices include feeding the soil with natural products, like compost, and often help the entire ecosystem of a farm become more healthy and viable.&nbsp;<h1>You Can Do Something About the Global Coffee Crisis</h1><img src="https://donor360-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/img_6000b3b1bf2bd2-24330911-61787460-md.jpg" height="244" width="366">By drinking Fair Trade and Organic coffee, you can have a positive impact on the coffee industry. Fair Trade and organic coffee are more expensive and that is a&nbsp;good&nbsp;thing. If you value the lives and livelihoods of the people&nbsp;who grow and produce your coffee, then you should want them to get paid what their coffee is worth,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;not less.&nbsp;Unfortunately, our society has come to value cheapness and convenience more than quality, and this has detrimental effects on the world at large.As conscious consumers, we should be happy to switch our thinking from ‘cheaper is better,’ to ‘I am happy to pay a higher price for products that are good for the earth and people.’Ready to buy some awesome, Fair Trade and organic coffee? Double your impact by purchasing your next batch of Fair Trade and organic coffee from a Donor360 fundraiser. Thirty to fifty percent of your sale will go directly to a charity, instead of big business. See some of our live fundraisers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donorthreesixty.com/campaigns" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255);">here</a>.&nbsp;

large_img_128-lg.jpg

medium_img_128-lg.jpg

small_img_128-lg.jpg

thumbnail_img_128-lg.jpg

img_128-lg.jpg

Coffee is one of the most in-demand commodities on the planet, but many coffee farmers struggle just to feed their families. Find out how drinking Fair Trade and organic coffee can help with the global coffee crisis.

Organic and Fair Trade Products

Why Buy Organic Clothing made with Cotton

New Ethical Coffee Brands Added to the Donor360 Marketplace

5 Reasons to Fundraise with Organic and Fair Trade Chocolate

Are Organic Toys Safer for Children?

Why Drinking Fair Trade and Organic Coffee Matters