19 local organizations to watch: Rise Beyond the Reef

Rise Beyond the Reef economically empowers rural Indigenous women and their families in Fiji by designing ecologically, culturally, and socially conscious handmade goods while promoting climate-smart agriculture. The organization builds sustainable pathways for Pasifika women to access local and international markets while maintaining their traditions. The ultimate goal is to create women-led solutions to the climate crisis.

Rise Beyond the Reef started with $5,000 donated by friends and family and has since operated with less than 25% grant funding over the past 10 years. Although it’s a nonprofit, it’s committed to diversifying its revenue streams. This includes funding from organizations such as Women’s Fund Fiji, or WFF, Fiji Water Foundation, and the Secretariat of the Pacific, which along with WFF are both funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Rise Beyond the Reef also earns revenue from selling its products, of which artisans earn between 25% to 50% of the retail cost of the items. On average, the hourly rate for artisans is between 55% to 65% above Fiji’s minimum wage.

Fiji.