Partners receive 10% of ESC’s net profits to fund projects to help wildlife thrive
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – January 29, 2019 – Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC), the premium chocolate brand that ranks number one in the natural chocolate category, today named The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the National Forest Foundation as their 2019 - 2021 GiveBack Partners. ESC dedicates 10% of their annual net profits to their GiveBack Partners. Over the last three years ESC has given $1.7 million back to conservation organizations through the GiveBack Program. ESC’s partners are guaranteed a minimum annual donation of $10,000 and can use the funds on projects they deem important to their conservation efforts. “As our newest GiveBack Partners, we are thrilled to support the work of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and The National Forest Foundation,” said ESC CEO, Curt Vander Meer. “Our company mission to support wildlife conservation through our GiveBack partners is made possible by the strong sales of our premium chocolate, in conjunction with our Fair Trade practices, social engagement and education.” The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is the world’s largest and longest-running organization fully dedicated to gorilla conservation. Founded by Dian Fossey more than 50 years ago, their model combining boots-on-the-ground protection, scientific research and support of local communities has helped prevent the extinction of one of the one of the planet’s most at-risk species. “Partnering with ESC means that there is now a very special way for people to directly help save gorillas,” said Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund President, CEO, and Chief Scientist, Dr. Tara Stoinski. “The support of ESC will provide critical support for our dedicated trackers, anti-poachers and scientists who are in the forests every day, protecting gorillas and other endangered species.” The National Forest Foundation (NFF) helps protect the 193 million acres of the country’s National Forests and Grasslands. The partnership with ESC will enable NFF to build upon their work that is important to imperiled wildlife, with one-third of the species listed under the Endangered Species Act that find food and shelter on these public lands. “We are honored and excited to become ESC’s GiveBack Nonprofit Partner,” said Mary Mitsos, President of the National Forest Foundation. “Together with ESC, we will restore endangered species’ habitat and engage more Americans in stewardship on their backyard National Forests. This partnership is also an important example of how companies can make a meaningful impact on the biodiversity and the environment in our country.” In addition to their new partners, ESC will continue to support previous GiveBack partners Chimp Haven, The Xerces Society, Rainforest Trust, and the Wildlife Conservation Network through their alumni program. About Endangered Species Chocolate Endangered Species Chocolate provides premium chocolates made with ethically sourced, high quality, and environmentally sustainable ingredients that not only taste good, but do good. ESC dedicates 10% of their annual net profits to supporting wildlife conservation, adding up to over $1.7M donated to its giveback partners in the last three years alone. Chocolate lovers know that when they buy an Endangered Species Chocolate product, they’re not only getting a delightful premium treat, but they’re also supporting a worthy mission. For more: chocolatebar.com. About The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organization dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation. Founded by Dr. Dian Fossey in 1967, the organization protects and studies endangered gorillas in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Fossey Fund’s proven conservation model also includes educating conservationists and helping local communities to create long-term, sustainable conservation solutions. For more: gorillafund.org About The National Forest Foundation The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the only conservation organization wholly dedicated to our country’s National Forests and Grasslands. The 193 million acres of this public estate is home to an amazing diversity of wildlife and a year-round playground for all Americans. Together with supporters and local partners, the NFF restores our damaged forests and strengthens the people’s connection to their public lands. For more: www.nationalforests.org.
