Esperança was awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. This is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. 

Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal. “We are honored to receive this award and to be recognized as one of the best charities in America.” Said, Tom Egan, President and CEO of Esperança. “I knew that Esperança was a very special organization, but when they told me that fewer than 5% of the charities in the whole country receive this seal of approval, I was truly proud of our staff, board of directors, donors and volunteers for making us one of the best charities in America”.

PHOENIX, Ariz.  (Jan., 17, 2011)… Esperança is the first Arizona nonprofit organization to partner  with pledge4good.com, an innovative platform that lets individuals create a donation pledge tied to personal or professional goals. 

“Best of all, pledge4good lets you easily inform friends on Facebook, Twitter, and email as you set and then pursue your goals,” said Vik Bellapravalu, co-founder of pledge4good.com.  “Friends can share in your achievements by joining your pledge and making a donation (as low as $1) every time you adhere or achieve your goal.”   

Achievements may include hitting a birdie at golf, losing a pound, getting an A in school, or a win by your favorite football team. Individuals pick their achievements. Then, they simply invite friends or family members via  social media to join in and make donations tied to their achievements. Next, individuals log achievement +donations.  They can check-in on pledge4good.com’s mobile app or website to share the news with friends and make a donation.

“This is an innovative and fresh concept in fundraising,” said Tom Egan, president and CEO of Esperança.  “It’s simple enough that people will use it and it’s a great way to engage with supporters and followers through our growing social media networks.  Being a national organization, it also gives us the ability for anyone, anywhere in the country to raise funds to support our mission of building clean, sustainable and healthy communities worldwide.”