Nearly 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery. Every year, Not For Sale works tirelessly to drive economic progress to combat this. Through social enterprise, progress doesn’t come at the cost of human dignity but builds and nurtures a healthy environment. Not For Sale and its global partners have served over 500,000 people since 2007. But it’s not just the individuals that benefit. These enterprises are founded on offering opportunity and safety. They’re also environmentally focused, leading a new era of charity for people and planet, driven by self-sustaining businesses. Read below to get see the start of a better world, by the numbers.

Understanding vulnerable communities through partnerships that protect people

Non-profits and charities have a role in building relationships with indigenous communities. This is essential to better understand how and why their vulnerable individuals are forced to leave. We need to know where the majority of children under threat in any exploited social group come from. That’s how we work to stop criminal behaviour at its source. In 2023, through business initiatives and anti-trafficking programmes, Not For Sale positively benefitted the lives of over 95,000 people. This included comprehensive support to 7001 survivors of exploitation and modern slavery. An additional 88,819 individuals also accessed difference-making services such as employment, skills training, clean water, education, and more benefits that also change lives. Discover more from the impact report here.

Preserving the planet: How conservation and climate action combat exploitation

In 2023, Not For Sale expanded to continue making an impact around the world. This included initiatives in Peru, The Netherlands, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, and the United States.     NFS conserves 195,000+ hectares (753 square miles) of rainforest. That’s larger than London and, in fact, that’s larger than Chicago and LA combined. They’re big numbers that are hard to imagine, but the impact is real. This preserves livelihoods, supporting indigenous communities closely tied to theses essential resources. Climate change is at the core of putting people at risk of exploitation, and stopping the roots of manipulation and criminal behaviour is key to lasting change. In addition, the biodiversity protection and mitigation of climate change’s environmental effects around the world through carbon sequestration further prevents damage to people and planet such as floods and erosion. What’s more, specifically Not For Sale also proactively planted over 5000 trees, reforested 8.58 hectares of land, and captured 2173.5 tonnes of CO2.

What role does social enterprise play in building global futures?

Social enterprise is everything. Rethinking how we look at charity in modern society, Not For Sale continues building self-sustaining business opportunities for those that are, or continue to be, vulnerable and exploited. Enterprise and reinvestment into future projects mean that everybody wins, and can continue to do so. “The numbers speak for themselves,” says David Batstone, president and co-founder of Not For Sale. “Every business we create, and every opportunity we offer, is a step closer to a world where exploitation and modern slavery no longer exist.”

– David Batstone, president and co-founder of Not For Sale

“Through social enterprise, we’re not just providing jobs – we’re building pathways to dignity, self-reliance, and lasting change. By empowering individuals with the tools to thrive, we create ripple effects that uplift entire communities. “This is how we fight slavery: by fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed in a better, more just world.” Want to join us in making a difference? Find out how you can get involved.