Is Blue Nile Traders a for-profit business?

Blue Nile Traders is a non-profit ministry, recognized as such by the IRS (as a 5013c organization). We return all profits to the Yezelalem Minch orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to support its work with widows and orphans affected by HIV.

Who runs Blue Nile? How do we know that the profits go to Ethiopia?

The Blue Nile staff and operation is currently accountable to the board of directors of Manna Christian Fellowship in Holland, MI. It also cooperates with Bethany Christian Services and Hope for the Nations.

Is Blue Nile a "fair trade" brand?

Blue Nile is more than a fair trade brand. A fair trade brand pays farmers/producers and fair and living wage, but might also make a profit for the distributor. Blue Nile Traders is a non-profit ministry, recognized as such by the IRS (as a 501c3 organization). We return all profits to the Yezelalem Minch orphanage in Addis Abbaa, Ethiopia to support its work with widows and orphans affected by HIV.

Where does the coffee come from?

From the Addis Ababa region of Ethiopia. It is bought from farmers and brokers. The women of Yezelalem Minch roast and ship as much of it as they can.

Is the coffee produced by the ladies of Yezelalem Minch?

From time-to-time, when sales exceed what the women can produce in a month, Blue Nile supplements their production by having the beans roasted by others. We are working Yezelalem Minch to increase production capacity.

What is Yezelalem Minch?

Yezelalem Minch is an orphanage in Addis Ababa, the capitol city of Ethiopia. It cares for children who lost their parents because of HIV. It also helps HIV/AIDS affected mothers provide for their children by helping them start small businesses producing coffee and other crafts.It was started by and is run by Ethiopian staff. It began with two children in 2001 and today provides care to more than 400 children.

You can learn more about it here.

How can I help or learn more?

You can purchase LOTS of Blue Nile products, knowing that 100% of the profits goes to Yezelalem Minch. You can also donate to the ministry or support a child. You might even consider adopting a child from Yezelalem Minch. Watch this video to learn more.