INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana--Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) has selected the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) as one of its two partners for 2009, basing that choice on the strength of AWF’s mission and its ambitious program work in Africa. The grant will be used to advance AWF’s Species Science Team and its work to protect endangered wildlife, such as lions, bonobos, Grevy’s zebra and other magnificent species, in ways that benefit people.

ESC is an Indianapolis-based company devoted to providing ethically traded and naturally grown products. Each year, the company donates 10 percent of its net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity.

In selecting partners, the company applies a rigorous process in which partners are evaluated based on the strength and reach of their mission to help species, habitat and/or humanity. The nearly three dozen applicants for the 2009 partnership were ranked based on several qualities, including scope and quality programming.

“Our selection process is designed to be robust and we engage in a very sequential procedure.” ESC takes in many applications and based on strict criteria, the number is brought down to six candidates. Then all staff at ESC is given the opportunity to review the applicants and vote on the ones they support. The top candidates become the new slate of 10% partners. “This is an important process for us. We want to be sure we are honoring our covenant with our consumer, thus a diligent job in selecting 10% partners that are truly engaged in making a difference on the planet,” says Zink.

ESC is also in the process of forming a foundation that will expand their reach on-the-ground in cacao farming communities and with nonprofit partners like AWF. The foundation will formally launch in early 2009.

In addition to donating 10 percent of net profits to conservation-minded nonprofits, the company only uses cacao grown under the natural canopy of the forest, another way to protect the environment and the species living there. Once the cacao is harvested it is ethically traded, ensuring humane working conditions and a fair price for the farmers and their communities. These efforts are a few among many green business practices that ESC employs to help support species recovery, conservation of habitats and honoring of human life.

For more information about Endangered Species Chocolate, visit www.chocolatebar.com.

To learn more about AWF's species conservation work, click here.

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About AWF
Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the leading conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF’s programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people.

About Endangered Species Chocolate
Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing premium, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified vegan and organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. The number one best selling brand of natural chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers more than 30 products. For more information, visit www.chocolatebar.com.