Ten Thousand Villages of Pasadena Incorporated

Ten Thousand Villages of Pasadena Incorporated is a nonprofit organization registered in the United States under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 204535864. It operates as part of the global fair trade movement, focusing on ethical sourcing and community empowerment.

Mission

The organization is dedicated to promoting fair trade practices, aiming to improve the quality of life for artisans and their communities around the world. By selling handmade products such as unique jewelry, home décor, hand-knotted rugs, and specialty foods from various regions including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, they support global artisans in earning fair wages and maintaining cultural dignity.

Activities

Ten Thousand Villages of Pasadena engages in several community-focused activities:

• Fair Trade Retail: The organization acts as a bridge between artisans and consumers, ensuring that every purchase supports fair trade while promoting cultural understanding.
• Educational Programs: They offer presentations about fair trade for groups of all ages, enhancing awareness and advocacy for ethical business practices.
• Community Events: Benefit Shopping Days and other events are organized to raise funds for local organizations, fostering community engagement and support.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Volunteers play a crucial role in promoting the organization's mission by sharing about fair trade and supporting store operations.

Financial Structure

As reported in their Form 990 filings, Ten Thousand Villages of Pasadena generates most of its revenue from sales of inventory. Donations also contribute significantly to their financial model, supporting their mission and operational costs. The organization does not compensate its board members or key employees[1].

Classification

Ten Thousand Villages of Pasadena Incorporated falls under the category of Human Services — Multipurpose and Other, with donations to the organization being tax-deductible[1]. It aligns with broader human service goals by promoting economic justice and sustainability through fair trade practices.

Establishment and Growth

The organization's operations in Pasadena began in June 2006, marking it as the first Ten Thousand Villages store in California. Since its inception, the store has become a landmark for ethical consumerism in the region[3][4].

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/204535864 [2] https://www.visitpasadena.com/directory/ten-thousand-villages/ [3] https://www.tenthousandvillages.com/a/store-locator/pasadena.html [4] http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/pasadena [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-4535864