Giving Back

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)

CERF+ provides a safety net to help support strong, sustainable careers for artisans across the United States. Rio Grande’s “Sweeps for CERF” program accepts your donations of precious-metal sweepings from benches, floors and buffs. We contribute the sweeps from our own production work and, together, we all make a difference. Collect your sweeps and periodically send them to us; we'll take care of the rest.

"Together, we have made a real difference in the lives of so many artists in their moments of greatest need… The Sweeps for CERF program is a great example of the power of the craft community in action."

"Having stood beside that 55 gallon drum, I have a sense of just how many have contributed to this remarkable fundraiser for CERF+. This is a true community event but the BIG thanks are to y'all at Rio for making this possible."

Toolbox Initiative

The passion and perseverance of metalsmiths in Senegal inspired jeweler-authors Matthieu Chemineé and Tim McCreight to found Toolbox Initiative. The program’s mission is to hand-deliver donated tools and silver ingots to artisans in West Africa, and they continue to research other safe, reliable ways to get supplies to the artisans who need them. You can help support West African metalsmiths by donating gently-used and new tools in good condition, silver scrap or cash. Toolbox Initiative will clean the tools and process the silver. Through a partnership with Rio Grande, any cash donations will be used to buy tools at a special discount.

We Wield the Hammer

Based in Oakland, California, We Wield the Hammer exists “to identify, train, track and support young women of African descent who might not otherwise choose a career as a metalsmith.” Participants in the 8-week program learn the fundamentals of fabrication and urban apprenticeships are in the works. Founder Karen Smith says, “I envision this program in places around the world. It’s an opportunity to create real change for young women and girls through art and financial empowerment.” You can join us in supporting We Wield the Hammer by donating your scrap credit.

Jewelers for Children

Jewelers for Children includes jewelers and other members of our industry to support children in need by partnering with charitable organizations. Rio Grande has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation®^®to host bon voyage events for several wish recipients and their families.

Rio Cares

This team of associates provides service-based support to local organizations to directly impact a diverse cross-section of our community. They’ve inspired their colleagues to join them at food pantries, for holiday meals with families in need, and at Habitat for Humanity sites. They’ve gathered donations of school supplies and shoes, Teddy bears and books. The Rio Cares team motivates generosity in all of us.