The DMA Nonprofit Federation is pleased to announce that Heifer International is the 2010 recipient of its prestigious Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award.

The award will be presented Wednesday, August 25, at a gala luncheon in the midst of the Federation's 2010 New York Nonprofit Conference.  Presented annually, the award recognizes outstanding achievement by a nonprofit organization using direct response marketing to advance its mission.

"We sincerely congratulate Heifer International," said Chris Quinn, DMANF executive director.  "Their important work transcends languages and countries, uniting everyone for one important goal." 

Heifer International's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth.  Since 1944 they have provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income.  Heifer International is currently working in more than 50 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.

"Heifer International's storied 65-year history really impressed the Awards Committee," said Mary Bogucki, chair of DMANF's Awards Committee, and vice president of Amergent.  "An organization that started with a Midwestern farmer serving as a relief worker during the Spanish Civil War has blossomed into one of the world's most respected organizations.  Already recognized as an innovator delivering world-changing results, Heifer International has fundamentally re-defined direct response humanitarian relief fundraising and therefore, this year, earns DMANF's most prestigious honor."    

"We are so proud and humbled to receive this amazing honor," said Steve Stirling, Heifer International executive vice president of marketing and resource development.  "This recognition is a testament to the passion and the commitment that Heifer's donors have to our work, and to the continued effectiveness of direct marketing.

"For more than 65 years, we have been working, hand in hand with our donors and our project partner families for a better world.  This recognition affirms that change is possible, even inevitable, when people work together for a solution," continued Stirling.  "We are privileged to have been named and to be in such august company."

DMANF's Awards Committee recommended Heifer International because of their efforts battling poverty and hunger through programs focusing on education and self-advancement that have had a global impact.

Their innovative and groundbreaking use of catalogs as a fundraising tool has been emulated by many other organizations.  Their website has been recognized internationally for both its content and breadth of information, resulting in online revenue becoming a significant portion of their overall revenue.  Heifer International has also had great success in migrating offline contacts with online solutions through the use of thank you cards.    

Past recipients of the DMA Nonprofit Federation's Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award include: the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); Operation Smile; Doctors without Borders; American Diabetes Association; CARE; Mothers Against Drunk Driving; and Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  You may view a complete list of DMANF Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award recipients here.