e-Commerce Development for Latin American Artisans

Dear Friend of SoulGives,

Over the past six months, SoulGives.org has grown into something far more powerful than a marketplace—it has become a living bridge between generous supporters like you and the artisans and growers whose work sustains their families and communities.

Thanks to ongoing contributions, our website has been redesigned to make it easier to explore products, discover artisan stories, and understand the real impact your support creates. Visitors can now navigate more quickly, enjoy richer photography, read customer reviews, and learn about the cultural traditions behind each handmade item.

One of the artisans whose life has been transformed through this platform is Freddy, a woodworker that handmakes goods for the homes. From the income from the e-commerce sites, he purchased more tools to more efficiently operate his workshop. This change has allowed him to hire additional staff and strengthen the economic stability of his community. Freddy;’s business is just one example of what happens when visibility, fair pricing, and global connection come together.

Your support makes this possible. Every improvement to the website—every new artisan profile, every product photo, every translation, every secure checkout upgrade—helps ensure that our small producers across Latin America can reach a wider audience and earn a dignified living. Maintaining and expanding the site requires ongoing investment, and your contribution directly fuels that growth.

We invite you to continue to work alongside us as we expand opportunities for more artisans and growers. Your generosity helps keep the SoulGives platform strong, accessible, and full of stories worth sharing. Together, we can ensure that the creativity and resilience of these communities continue to shine.

With gratitude,
The SoulGives Team

Dear GlobalGiving Supporter,

I’m writing this on October 31—Halloween—when the spooks are out. And speaking of mysteries, you, our donor, are one to us.

Several years ago, GlobalGiving stopped sharing donor details with us. Your name now appears as “anonymous,” and while we’re grateful for your support, it feels a little spooky not knowing who you are.

We’d love to know where in the world you’re from, what drew you to our project among the thousands on GlobalGiving, and what you hope to see from us. Without that connection, we’re left guessing—and we’d rather respond with intention. So, please excuse us if we sound a bit distant.

Unfortunately, we’ve also encountered some unsettling activity: individuals outside of SoulGives have created projects using our name on GlobalGiving that have nothing to do with us. We’ve reported these fraudulent actions, but we also want to make sure you’re aware.

On a brighter note, our e-commerce site, SoulGives.org, has undergone a major refresh this past quarter. Navigation is now simpler and faster, and you’ll find updated photos, product descriptions, and even customer reviews. If you’ve ever purchased from us, we’d love for you to leave a review—it helps others discover the beauty and integrity of our producers.

We’re also excited to share new products and fresh options for many of our long term partners. For example, Lorena—our artisan who crafts all-natural cosmetics and soaps—has launched new packaging and labeling that meet USDA guidelines, allowing us to sell her products in the U.S. Thanks to your support, she’s now able to hire staff and strengthen her community’s sustainability.

We’re always eager to hear your thoughts. What would you like to see more of? What stories or products resonate most with you?

As always, thank you for standing with us. We continue to meet incredible artisans and growers, but financial constraints limit how many we can support. Your generosity makes a real difference.

Warmly, 

SoulGives Team

Links:

• The SoulGives Website Home Page