Make gift choices thatsupport economic development projects in low-income communities in the U.S. and around the world. Doing so can help you to live out the Gospel call to bring good news to the poor, recovery of sight to the blind, and liberty to captives (Luke 4:18).
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) works with fair trade programs and projects overseas to help communities overcome poverty globally.
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic bishops, provides grants to groups that help low-income people start small businesses.
Global Gifts: Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade Program
Through a network of more than a
dozen Fair Trade organizations, you can shop with solidarity and build
community by purchasing craft, coffee and chocolate products to support farmers
and artisans in poor communities around the world. Learn more here.
U.S. Economic Development Projects
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development works to promote economic development by giving grants to groups that help low-income people start small businesses. These groups provide resources to help people transform their entrepreneurial ideas into realties.
These two businesses became a reality with support from the CCHD-funded BEGIN New Venture Center at the St. Patrick Center, a federated project of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The Center also provides homeless services, as well as housing, employment, and mental health programs.
Craig and Toni Quality Products
Craig and Toni Brown make "an exceptional line of barbeque sauce."They offer two delicious flavors: Sweet & Tasty and Sweet & Spicy. Buy BBQ sauce.Queen's Cuisine
A variety tea, pastries, and tea accessories are available to order online.If you are in the St. Louis area, be sure to attend Afternoon Tea, served at The Fleur De Ly's Mansion. Order treats from Queen's Cuisine.
These four businesses received training from CCHD-funded The Intersect Fund in New Brunswick, NJ.Since 2008, The Intersect Fund has served over five hundred low-income entrepreneurs by "training them in the basics of running a business."You can learn about more success stories in their Entrepreneur Directory.
Jams by Kim
Kim sells a wide variety of artisanal jams.She offers an interesting variety of fruity jams, such as Pomegranate and Orange, as well as savory jams, like Roasted Garlic and Sweet Onion. Purchase Kim's artisanal jams.Carella's Chocolates
Carella's sells a wide variety of fudge, chocolates, and novelty candies.The also offer sugar free selections and special chocolates for the holidays. Buy Carella's specialty chocolates.Keepsakes by Faith
Faith Saunders has been selling unique stationary, jewelry, and other gift items since 2007.Her cards and gifts feature inspirational quotes that are sure to uplift you or someone you love. Order cards and gifts.SkinArise
Soaps and body scrubs from SkinArise use 100% natural ingredients to invigorate, restore, and hydrate your skin. Purchase SkinArise products.Opportunity Threads
Opportunity Threads is using funding from CCHD to develop a full scale worker-owned, eco-textile cut and sew plant in the heart of Southern Appalachia’s traditional textile country. The company uses mostly organic cotton, up-cycles materials and focuses on sustainable production. The company uses a worker-ownership model to build assets, pay fair wages, and retain and grow capital in local communities. Order products from Opportunity Threads’ clients.