Mission: 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 create sustainable enterprises through multi-year programs which include:

€ Product design and development

€ Market readiness training on site and at international trade shows

€ Development of new local, regional and international markets

€ Commercial connections through its Market Link



Small Grants Program: Approximately 50 grants, ranging from $500 to $1,500, are awarded each year to artisan groups for purchase of equipment, materials and training.



Results: In fiscal year 2004 ATA benefited 23,000 artisans, of whom two thirds were women, and $25,000,000 worth of US retail sales can be attributed to ATA¹s efforts.



Offices and Programs: ATA has offices in Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Haiti, Macedonia, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique and Peru and programs in Guatemala, India, South Africa, and Tanzania. ATA International is based in Amsterdam.



History: Founded in 1976, ATA has worked with artisans in more than 110 countries. It is a 501(c)(3) corporation.



Major Funders: American Express Foundation, Ford Foundation, International

Finance Corporation, W. K. Kellogg Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development. ATA programs are also funded by the generous donations of individuals and family foundations.