NEST INC

Programs

1. The nest guild is an ever-growing global network of 2,600+ handcraft enterprises and maker businesses in 125+ countries. While representing a diversity of craft types from basket weaving to hand dyeing, ceramics, and woodworking. Guild members are united in their pursuit of sustainable business growth and social impact in their communities. It's free to join the nest guild, and artisan and maker members receive access to ongoing resources and programs. This network impressively showcases the power and reach of the creative economy. Guild members gain access to exclusive opportunities including nest's application-based business accelerators, financing opportunities, and pro bono mentorship provided through nest's network of industry professionals and corporate partners. They may also benefit from market access support and consideration for sourcing opportunities with our growing network of brand partners. On average, guild members actively involved in nest programming were each able to generate $80,000 in new revenue in 2023! 85% of guild members said that their involvement in nest programming has increased their confidence to grow their business. 61% of members said that…

   $2,808,172 spentof which $190,000 as grants$123,118 earned by the program
   59% of program spending

2. Fee for service programs: nest's sourcing services advance transparency, social wellbeing, and economic opportunity for global artisans and us makers by facilitating matches between brands and designers and nest's network of artisans and makers. Nest collaborates with industry-leading brands including clo, ralph lauren, tory burch, west elm, and madewell to celebrate the beauty and artisanship of makers in the united states and artisan business leaders worldwide through curated handcrafted collections. Nest believes that sustainable economic growth for artisans is achieved through transparent sourcing relationships, which is why nest connects brands and designers with handcraft vendors or independent makers directly. We never require exclusivity agreements that may inhibit an artisan business' ability to grow and encourage celebration and storytelling for the artisans involved. Nest's model fosters successful long-term relationships between makers and brands. Our consultations, reports, and retainer services support the creation of craft vendor profiles with beautiful product photos, details on the techniques, as well as contact information, approximate prices and lead times. All…

   $1,158,526 spent$689,224 earned by the program
   24% of program spending

3. Research & advocacy: makers united brings visibility to under-represented makers and the challenges they face to inclusion in the micro- and small-business economy by mapping the regional landscape of small business supports and connecting the dots between makers and the local, national, and peer resources they need. We publish a report that showcases the opportunities for the creative economy in each city we work in to help build a strong ecosystem of support for makers. Nest's research and advocacy initiatives aim to bring industry and public awareness to the often overlooked and under-represented handworker sector. From thought leadership pieces to concise research briefs and full reports, nest's publications investigate research topics that are timely and important to the sector and aim to synthesize results in a way that can be conveyed with ease to any audience.

   $802,013 spent
   17% of program spending

4. Makers united is building a more inclusive community of u.s. Maker-entrepreneurs and craftspeople by co-creating an ecosystem where bipoc and low- income makers feel recognized and represented and have access to the tools they need to grow their businesses and thrive. A subset of nest's global network of creative entrepreneurs, makers united elevates the voices of diverse makers in the united states to ensure that the growing american makers movement is generating opportunity for all makers regardless of gender, race, economic means or ability. Makers united is committed to building a better-connected ecosystem for makers. To do this, nest maps the local landscape of small business support and connects the dots between makers and the local, national, and peer resources they need. Additionally, through the program, creative entrepreneurs can gain access to exclusive opportunities like the madewell maker collective, etsy's uplift makers program, nest's flagship makers future fund, and more! Nest supports historically marginalized communities across the us and invests in the preservation of important craft traditions. These special programs include work with gee's bend quilters of…

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $4,768,711.