Creating equal opportunities for creative entrepreneurs
We know that entrepreneurship is an important and fulfilling pathway to economic independence for creators, who can use their unique talents to build successful small and microbusinesses.
But many communities face significant barriers to entrepreneurship, including:
- lack of digital education and training
- access to capital
- insufficient access to benefits like health insurance and paid leave
That’s why Etsy launched the Uplift Fund at Brooklyn Org* to support nonprofits that work to dismantle these barriers and foster equal opportunities to creative entrepreneurship. Program beneficiaries need not sell goods on Etsy today, though of course we hope that over time they will choose to build their businesses online and on our marketplace.
*The Uplift Fund is held by Brooklyn Org, a 501(c)(3) that distributes funds to select nonprofits across the US. Etsy doesn’t profit from money donated to the Uplift Fund.
DreamSpring: Funding Creative Ambitions
Powered by Etsy’s Uplift Fund and DreamSpring, DreamCreative offers personalized funding solutions and complementary business education crafted specifically for creatives.
Learn more
Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator
The Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator, run by Accion Opportunity Fund, a national nonprofit offering affordable loans and small business resources, and supported by Etsy, works to provide creative entrepreneurs with meaningful learning and networking opportunities, along with grant capital to spark their business growth.
Learn more
Nest
Through this program supported by Etsy, Nest connects US maker-entrepreneurs with the coaching, funding, and peer support that can help them achieve their financial goals and grow their creative businesses.
Learn more
HelloAlice
The Creative Business Boost Initiative, run by Hello Alice & the Global Entrepreneurship Network and powered by Etsy, empowers entrepreneurs who contribute to the creative economy. By providing grants, educational resources, and access to a community of business owners, the program strives to bolster the cultural vibrancy of communities through the entrepreneurial endeavours of creative individuals.
Learn moreFAQs
How can I participate?
Etsy customers in the US can round up their USD purchases at check out from shops using Etsy Payments to donate to the Uplift Fund. These buyer-donated funds, in addition to separate direct grants from Etsy, are distributed to nonprofit organizations that are directly working with creators who need support building businesses.
Who is Brooklyn Org?
Brooklyn Org is a public foundation that sponsors Donor Advised Funds for charitable giving, supports racial justice through its grant making programs, and works in partnership with generous donors to bolster vital nonprofits. It is the holder of the Uplift Fund and distributes donations to the nonprofits across the US that receive support from your donations.
How will my donation show up on my bank statement?
The line will state: BKO Etsy Uplift
As a seller on Etsy, can I opt in or out of offering this in checkout?
Any eligible customer that has a valid amount to donate will see this experience in checkout if they’re purchasing from a shop supported by Etsy Payments. When a customer chooses to round up their purchase and donate, this will not impact your order. You will still receive your order funds to your payment account. The donation is held separately from your sale funds and will go directly to the Uplift Fund held at Brooklyn Org.
As a seller on Etsy, can I allocate donations to another organization?
All donations will go towards the Uplift Fund. The goal of the Uplift Fund is to support nonprofits working to enable equal opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. Organizations are selected based on their commitment and approach to these efforts.