‘Force for Good’ grants fuel Giving Tuesday missions of Amazon sellers

It’s known as the global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people to transform the world. And this Giving Tuesday, three small business owners said their impact has been amplified with the help of Amazon’s $50,000 “Force for Good” grants.

Nyssa, Gifts Fulfilled and Hustle Clean received the business grants at Accelerate, Amazon’s annual sellers conference, in September. They were chosen based on their unique brand missions and the impact they are making in their broader communities.

“This grant has 100% been fuel for our mission,” said Nyssa CEO and co-founder, Eden Laurin.

Nyssa, a wear therapy brand for women, is dedicated to revolutionizing personal care for postpartum, period pain, and the unmentionables of womanhood. “Our mission is to make innovative products that support women during their most pivotal, yet rarely discussed moments in life,” said Laurin.

“The ‘Force for Good’ grant reinforces that what we’re doing matters. Women’s health matters. Women matter.”

Because of the grant, Laurin said she has been given other opportunities to share Nyssa’s mission through panel discussions and podcasts.

“This grant acts as a platform that elevates our voice. It gave us a push.”

Now, she said they are taking that push into the giving season, using part of the grant to purchase inventory, which is supporting their BOGO event that started on Thanksgiving.

“For every apparel item purchased, we’re giving an undergarment away,” said Laurin.

It’s not a giveaway event for Gifts Fulfilled that the “Force for Good” grant is supporting, but rather new offerings with specialized equipment, said owner Kim Shanahan.

Gifts Fulfilled sells pre-made gift baskets and care packages assembled by individuals with disabilities. The mission of the business is to create jobs for people with disabilities. The more baskets they sell, the more jobs they create.

“The grant money is going towards purchasing equipment tailor made to meet the special needs of our workforce and grow our business,” said Shanahan. “Our equipment can’t be one-size fits all. With Amazon’s “Force for Good” grant, we’re able to give our employees the opportunity to learn new skills and turn their disabilities into capabilities.”

The “Force for Good” grant encourages growth on every level, said Justin Forsett, former NFL running back and co-owner of Hustle Clean. The hygiene brand, started by three former football players, is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial wipes that clean, sanitize, deodorize and disinfect bodies and surfaces.

“We’ve never received anything like this,” said Forsett, speaking about the grant. “It has put a battery in our pack to serve the community.”

Like Nyssa, Forsett said they started using the funds to purchase inventory heading into the holidays. Having the foundation, said Forsett, has given them opportunities to expand their giving.

Last Tuesday, Forsett and his partners teamed up with another former NFL player, Cam Jordan, to support Giving Hope NOLA. The charity gave away turkeys and Hustle Clean body wipes to the community ahead of Thanksgiving.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” said Forsett.

Laurin agreed.

“Businesses can make a difference,” said Laurin. “Whether you’re as small as ours or as big as Amazon. You need to be looking at ways to give back.”

“More than 60% of sales in the Amazon store come from independent sellers – most of which are small and medium sized businesses,” said Claire O’Donnell, Director of Selling Partner Empowerment, Communities and Trust at Amazon. “Businesses with personal stories and missions like Nyssa, Gifts Fulfilled and Hustle Clean.”

The “Force for Good” grants were created to celebrate these businesses who were already a ‘force-multiplier’ within their communities, said O’Donnell. “We love hearing how these brands took this opportunity to double down on giving back. We’re thrilled to help amplify their missions.”