Recognition of Concern America

"In the face of all the demands of our society on your time and your energy and your money, I hope that you give serious consideration to adopting a volunteer or somehow supporting the work of Concern America. The simple fact of your active choice to reach out your hand to help others in this way is one of the most powerfully positive acts imaginable."
~ Actor/Producer Mike Farrell

Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize - Finalist

In 2007, Concern America was chosen as a finalist for the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Though Concern America was not selected as the 2007 winner, it is automatically included for the 2008 Hilton Prize consideration. Being named a finalist is itself a powerful endorsement of Concern America's work.

From the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation website: "The Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize was established by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in 1996. The annual $1.5 million dollar award honors a charitable or non-governmental organization that has made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering anywhere in the world.

The international Prize is the world's largest humanitarian award and ranks as one of the largest monetary prizes in any category - equal to the Nobel Prize. The creation of the Hilton Prize is consistent with the guiding philosophy of the Hilton Foundation, which was established by the late hotel entrepreneur, Conrad N. Hilton, for the purpose of providing humanitarian aid to the most unfortunate and disadvantaged.

"There is a natural law that obliges you and me to relieve the suffering, the distressed and the destitute." Conrad N. Hilton: Last Will and Testament

The Prize is not only intended to recognize and advance the efforts of the recipient organization, but also to call attention to the worldwide need for humanitarian aid and encourage others to expand their support."

"It is a tradition within Judaism to be involved with 'repairing the world' and to respond to the needs of anyone whose life is at risk. Inasmuch as Concern America fulfills this mandate in so many extraordinary ways, not only do I support this worthy cause but I urge peoples of all faith communities to further its efforts."
~ Rabbi Allen I. Freehling
University Synagogue, West Los Angeles, California

The 2007 Clarence H. Moore Award for Voluntary Service, The Pan American Health and Education Foundation

On November 28, 2007, Concern America received wonderful news about the health promoters and midwives and the community-based organization they have created (Committee of Associated Inter-ethnic Health Promoters in the Lower Atrato, or COAPIBAS). The health promoters and midwives and their organization COAPIBAS were just awarded the 2007 Clarence H. Moore Award for Voluntary Service, a prize of the Pan America Health and Education Foundation. Of the 600 groups that were nominated throughout Latin America, COAPIBAS was awarded first place. The award will be presented at a ceremony organized by the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization Office in Colombia, and coordinated with the Ministry of Health and other appropriate national institutions.

From the Pan American Health and Education Foundation:

“The Clarence H. Moore Award for Voluntary Service, created in 1989, is one of five awards presented by the Pan American Health and Education Foundation through its Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Program, a partnership between the Foundation and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

To recognize the benefits that the voluntary/non-governmental sector contributes to the public health mission and to improving the lives of the peoples of the Americas, the Pan American Health and Education Foundation established the Clarence H. Moore Award. This award calls attention to the achievements of NGOs located in Latin America and the Caribbean in public health, and celebrates these achievements.

A distinguished jury of public health professionals reviews nominations, and recommends a candidate to the board of trustees of the Foundation for final selection.”

"I simply want to say - anyone who wants to be part of a program that is most effective in really enabling people to live dignified lives and to pull themselves out of the poverty and the difficulties and sometimes the political harassment in which they live - that Concern America is certainly foremost in doing that."
~ Bishop Sylvester D. Ryan
Diocese of Monterey, California

"Best in America" Certification

The following is an excerpt from a letter received by Concern America in early June, 2005, from Independent Charities of America.

"With so many competing choices, many workplace donors look for aids to help make their giving decisions. One of those aids, increasingly popular with donors, is a third party endorsement or 'seal of approval.' Of the 50,000 + charities that participate in the CFC, (Combined Federal Campaign) only about 1500 - the members of Independent Charities of America (ICA) and Local Independent Charities of America (LICA) - will have the opportunity to display this 'Best In America' seal of approval. Your organization is one of those chosen few.

"The 'Best In America' seal was inspired by the recent comparative review of 'watchdog' groups by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations. The Council included the CFC standards in its review, and it was obvious that those standards match or often exceed the standards of other 'watchdog' groups. ICA and LICA are acknowledged as the most rigorous in the application of those standards to member eligibility review, in conjunction with their own additional tests. Your organization has documented that it meets those standards and tests. Your recognition is well deserved."