For more than a decade, the Toolbox Initiative has been forging valuable links across cultures by connecting jewelers and other craftspeople. Money donated to the Toolbox Initiative is used to purchase tools and materials that are given directly to hard-working craftspeople, person-to-person. We work primarily in West Africa which has a long history of metalworking.
A jeweler there typically owns a hammer, pliers and a few other odds and ends, most of which he has made himself. Through online cash donations and grants, we are able to purchase specific tools such as files, sawblades and drawplates that are given where most needed. All tools and materials are distributed to working jewelers at no cost. Each exchange is personal and non-commercial.
Because the Toolbox Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, donations are tax deductible.