Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a movement reshaping how businesses operate, and at Mon Ami Foundation, we’re all in. As an independent, not-for-profit trust registered in India since 2015, we’ve learned one truth over the years: collaboration is the heartbeat of sustainable business. From empowering artisans to sparking economic growth, our work thrives when we join hands with others. It’s not just about doing good - it’s about doing good together.
Take our Craft Hub initiative in Noida, supported by the HCL Foundation. This isn’t your average project - it’s a living, breathing ecosystem where artisans, businesses, and communities grow side by side. Here, handmade products like intricately woven textiles and upcycled crafts don’t just find buyers; they fuel livelihoods and inspire sustainable practices. By partnering with corporates, NGOs, and local stakeholders, we’re showing that profitability and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive. A Boston Consulting Group study backs this up - companies excelling in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria enjoy an 11% valuation premium over their peers. That’s the magic of purpose-driven collaboration!
So, why does collaboration matter so much? Sustainable development - like hitting the United Nations’ SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) - is a team sport. Solo efforts can only take you so far; real change demands shared resources, fresh ideas, and bold innovation. At Mon Ami, we’ve teamed up with heavyweights like A Hundred Hands, Dastkari Haat Samiti, The Serendipity Arts Foundation, to name a few, to spotlight artisan-made treasures at events (as we’ve shared on LinkedIn). These partnerships don’t just amplify our reach - they create vibrant markets for sustainable goods, proving handmade can mean big impact.
But let’s be real - it’s not all smooth sailing. Collaboration comes with its share of hiccups. Businesses chase profit margins, while NGOs like us prioritize social impact—finding common ground can feel like threading a needle in a storm. Add logistical challenges like coordinating across regions or securing funding, and you’ve got a puzzle worth solving. That’s where Mon Ami shines. We bridge the gap with initiatives that marry economic viability with social good. Our work with Offline Stores like Jhappi is a prime example - those vibrant crochet products crafted by women in NCR slums aren’t just pretty; they’re sustaining families and delighting buyers nationwide. It’s a win-win blooming from the toughest soils.
And the ripple effects? They’re huge. Collaborative efforts can reshape entire supply chains. A McKinsey report highlights how companies embedding sustainability into their core operations see improved resilience and customer loyalty. For us, it’s about more than numbers - it’s about the artisan who can now send her children to school or the community that gains pride in its craft heritage. Our mental wellness workshops, as noted on our website, tie into this too - building emotional strength alongside economic empowerment.
Want to jump in? Businesses don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start small: Partner with a local NGO (hint: we’re here!), invest in artisan training, or source materials sustainably. A Forbes article suggests cross-sector partnerships are key to tackling global challenges like climate change and inequality. At Mon Ami Foundation, we’re always on the lookout for collaborators who share our vision of a future where profit and purpose dance in step.
The world’s watching - consumers, too. A Nielsen survey found 66% of people are willing to pay more for sustainable brands. That’s a call to action for businesses, big and small, to lean into collaboration. Together, we can turn ideas into impact, crafting a world where commerce lifts communities rather than leaving them behind. At Mon Ami, we’re ready - how about you?