Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) has chosen its new partners for 2016-2018.

Rainforest Trust and the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) will benefit from ESC's 10% GiveBack program, which donates 10 percent of the company's annual net profits (or a minimum annual donation of $10,000, whichever is greater) to its partner organizations to fund projects they deem most important to achieving their conservation goals.

 “Aligning with Rainforest Trust and WCN is truly a continuation of the great partnerships Endangered Species Chocolate has already had,” says Curt Vander Meer, ceo, ESC. “We are excited to aid in the missions of these impactful organizations as we welcome them to the ESC family.”

In the past three years, ESC's program has donated more than $1.2 million to its chosen beneficiaries.

These partners are carefully chosen based on their aggressive and clear missions to help support species preservation and habitat conservation. The rigorous selection process for the 10% GiveBack program reflect ESC's own mission and values, which include using ingredients that meet strict standards for quality, ethical trade and environmental sustainability.

Both Rainforest Trust and the WCN have made strides in their respective goals with a passion that struck a chord with ESC's staff.

Rainforest Trust has saved more than 11 million acres of tropical forests. ESC's 10% GiveBack program will play a role in expediting the organization's goal of preserving 20 million acres by 2020.

“In a world where rainforest destruction has been swift and devastating, it is encouraging to see Endangered Species Chocolate take a stand against habitat destruction,” says Will Thomas, director of media and outreach at Rainforest Trust. “We are excited to work with a company that shares our vision for a healthy planet where endangered species can not only survive, but rebound and thrive.”

The Wildlife Conservation Network, meanwhile, funds projects in 24 countries. The 10% GiveBack program will contribute to helping a myriad of at-risk species.

“Wildlife Conservation Network is thrilled to partner with Endangered Species Chocolate because of their passion for wildlife and mission to save wild animals,” says Tracy Elsen, marketing and communications manager at WCN. “Funds from the 10% GiveBack program will help WCN tackle the current elephant poaching crisis in Africa and provide conservationists with hands-on training that increases their impact.“

ESC's partner organizations are featured on every chocolate bar wrapper, receive bars to use at fundraising events, are spotlighted on ESC's website, featured in articles and included in ESC's annual Partner Report.

Past partners of the 10% GiveBack program include SEE Turtles, SEEtheWild, Chimp Haven and, most recently, the Xerces Society and African Wildlife Foundation.

The African Wildlife Foundation credits the program for its impact on the organization's counter-poaching and conservation efforts. ESC donations helped fund 31 projects supporting more than a dozen species in Africa. The funding helped increase protection for 250,000 elephants and reached 350 million people in Asia with campaigns to reduce ivory and rhino horn demands.

 “At Endangered Species Chocolate, we feel a responsibility to steward the conservation community,” says Vander Meer. “As we continue to grow the company, we continue to grow our impact. In 2016 we will further this mission by expanding our reach to new consumers and continuing to spread the word about the need for conservation.”