Esperança announced today that it has been honored with a prestigious 2014 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations.

“We are excited to be named a Top-Rated 2014 Nonprofit,” says Tom Egan, president and CEO of Esperança. “We are proud of our accomplishments this year. Our successes that impact health directly include our volunteer surgical teams transforming the lives of over 1,500 rural villagers, and educating tens of thousands of Bolivians to prevent tropical diseases that kill 30% of their population. Our successes in community health include providing clean water for hundreds in Nicaragua, and building the first safe housing villagers in the highlands in Peru have ever owned”.

The Top-Rated Nonprofit award was based on the large number of positive reviews that Esperança received – reviews written by volunteers, donors and clients. People posted their personal experience with the nonprofit. For example, one person wrote, “I can honestly say that this organization is the best that I have volunteered for. I have been on many medical missions with a different organization and Esperança exceeded my expectations. I will not volunteer with another organization other than this one. The people that make these mission trips happen are unbelievably organized. I look forward every year doing this medical mission as it truly is an honor to be a part of this organization.”

While the Top-Rated Awards run through the end of October, Esperança was part of the inaugural group to qualify for the year. In addition, we’ll been added to GreatNonprofits #GivingTuesday Guide—an interactive guide to top nonprofits throughout the years. Look for this near the holidays.

“Savvy donors want to see the impact of their donations more than ever,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “People with direct experience with Esperança have voted that the organization is making a real difference.”

Being on the Top-Rated list gives donors and volunteers more confidence that this is a credible organization. The reviews by volunteers, clients and other donors show the on-the-ground results of this nonprofit. This award is a form of recognition by the community.