AZCEND earns Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency

AZCEND, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing help and hope to neighbors in need, has been awarded the prestigious Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. This recognition conveys AZCEND’s commitment to responsible stewardship, excellence in delivering programs and transparency.

“We appreciate our volunteers, donors and community partners for making this honor possible,” stated AZCEND CEO Trinity Donovan. “We would not have received this recognition without the community’s support, trust and active involvement.”

“We hold ourselves, our programs and our operations to high standards,” said Steve Hewitt, Operations Director at AZCEND. “Lives are changed every day as we align our daily work activities and priorities with our mission.”

The Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency is awarded to nonprofit organizations that complete rigorous and detailed accounting of strategic goals, measurable impact, financial accountability, leadership and governance as well as diversity. According to Candid, fewer than 1% of all nonprofits in the United States have been awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency as of 2023.

About Candid

Candid connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to do it.

In 2019, the Foundation Center and GuideStar joined forces to become Candid. The Foundation Center was the largest source of information about philanthropy globally, and GuideStar was the largest source of information on U.S. nonprofit organizations.

GuideStar USA’s mission is to revolutionize philanthropy and nonprofit practice by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions and encourages charitable giving.

About AZCEND

Founded in 1966, AZCEND helps neighbors in need move from crisis to stability and ultimately to prosperity. AZCEND’s mission is to change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community.

Last fiscal year, AZCEND served more than 14,000 people primarily in Chandler and Gilbert. The organization provides more than 68,000 meals each month and strives to relieve suffering while helping those in need improve their quality of life.

“Beyond food, we help people in need discover what is possible so that they experience a brighter future than they may have imagined,” said Donovan. The food bank is oftentimes a gateway to additional services at AZCEND.

While food boxes, home-delivered meals and lunch are provided every weekday, AZCEND also offers a lifeline of essential programs and services.

  • Safe, emergency lodging gives those experiencing homelessness the stability they need to get back on their feet.
  • Assistance with rent and utilities keeps families together in their homes.
  • AZCEND’s early childhood literacy programs help little ones succeed in Kindergarten and in life.
  • Parenting classes equip adults to support their children’s development.
  • Meals, activities and friendship for Seniors combat loneliness and isolation.

AZCEND has been providing help and hope to neighbors in need since 1966. This powerful intervention of food and shelter along with learning, growth and development is helping end the cycle of poverty. Learn more about AZCEND.