The Association for Craft Producers is one of the success stories in development aid, growing from a meager beginning in 1984 to an organization which now supports over 1000 disadvantaged women. The project was originally funded by a grant from World Neighbors, and aims to employ women who come from severely disadvantaged backgrounds. The program enhances the dignity of women by helping them develop a skill from which they can earn a living. Their ultimate goal is to improve the status of women inNepal. The women producers at Dhukuti receive a fair wage and have access to low cost health care, funds for female child education, peer counseling services and an on-site shop where they can purchase dry goods at below market prices. Dhukuti also provides welfare and retirement funds, a bonus program, informal education on health care and nutrition and a cafeteria which serves a healthy daily meal.  In 2000 they were able to incrase their benefits package to include a Medical and Household allowance. They are presently working on a way to provide more financial loans to groups of women producers to set up their own facilities so that even more woman can gain employment. By 2000 ACP was able to work with low income artisans from 17 districts throughoutNepal. They have had a steady growth in sales which has allowed them to increase the wage of producers by 15%. 
 
Products:
Products from the above producer group are:Table Runners, Placemats and Napkin Sets, Cooper Teapots

In 1984 Bhaktapur Crafts Printers, a UNICEF project, began using the ancient technology of making paper form the bark of the Daphne or “lokta” in the local language.  This paper is renowned for its exceptional durability and wonderful texture. The people ofNepalcontinue to use it in their daily life and, until the Chinese occupation in 1959, traded it withTibetwhere it was used in the monasteries for sacred texts. The aim in starting this project is to help low income rural and urban families earn a fair and equitable income while sustaining an important traditional craft. Bhaktapur Craft Printers employ approximately 200 full time employees, of which 51% are women and 2% persons with disabilities. Another 2000 families are employed part time. Bhaktapur Craft Printers are deeply committed to community development and invest a substantial percentage of their profits in community based projects. These include water supply, sanitation, resource conservation, education and day care facilities.