Consider the source: how doTERRA is redefining global philanthropy.

• Author: Miller, Derek B.
• Position: Worldview

You likely know doTERRA as one of Utah's fastest growing companies. It was recently recognized as one of the best places to work by Forbes magazine, held the largest convention in Utah history last year and is set to beat that record this year.

doTERRA's growth is providing jobs and opportunity to hundreds of Utahns. What you may not know is the opportunity the company is also providing internationally through its Co-Impact Sourcing initiative and Healing Hands Foundation.

A wellness company at its core, doTERRA produces essential oils and oil-infused personal care products, dietary supplements and healthy living products. The company sources more than 130 essential oils from 42 different countries, 25 of which are considered developing countries.

A unique opportunity

Founded in 2008, doTERRA crossed the billion dollar mark in annual sales in less than eight years. This rapid growth raised the question of how to ensure a steady supply of some of earth's greatest resources--the key components in the oil.

doTERRA executives quickly realized that what was initially a challenge presented a unique opportunity to make a dramatic difference on an international scale. The company's oils are sourced from all over the world, giving doTERRA reach into some of the most remote and poverty stricken parts of the globe.

The company's solution to its supply problem brilliantly also became a philanthropic endeavor: Co-Impact Sourcing. Co-Impact Sourcing creates coalitions of growers and distillers to make sure local communities receive fair and timely payments for their goods. doTERRA works with these coalitions to provide resources, tools and training to ensure a long-lasting, symbiotic partnership.

Raising up a community

doTERRA's first Co-Impact Sourcing project began two and a half years ago in Guatemala. Partnered with CHOICE Humanitarian, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending poverty, doTERRA identified one of the poorest parts of Guatemala to source cardamom, a close relative to ginger.

The remoteness of this location meant farmers had very little bargaining power and often received low compensation for their crop. Buyers were scarce and inconsistent.

The Co-Impact Sourcing initiative changed everything. Cardamom growers in Guatemala finally had an income they could rely on and fair pay for their harvest. Not only did doTERRA empower them with economic stability, but also with resources to be more effective in their growing.

doTERRA set up a...