The ESA Foundation awards program has many and various ways to promote and recognize both the member and the non-member of the ESA Foundation. It is the purpose of the Foundation to promote the activities of those who serve human need. The awards promote this objective.

The ESA Foundation gratefully acknowledges, with special recognition, ALL FOUNDATION MEMBERS (individuals, chapter, districts, councils, auxiliaries) who achieve a special plateau of financial support. All gifts/donations to the ESA Foundation (including membership fees and annual dues) are counted toward the Plateau of Achievement from the time of initial membership on through the years (automatic Lifetime Accumulation).

Continuing and expanding programs of the ESA Foundation are assured through the efforts of dedicated members. The Board of Directors added the sixth level (Pearl Founder) in the year 2000 to meet the growth of giving to the Foundation. The Bronze, Ruby, Sapphire and Platinum levels were added in 2003 to divide the categories evenly.

A certificate shall be awarded to individuals, chapters, or councils obtaining the Plateaus of Achievement. Continuing and expanding programs of the ESA Foundation are assured through the efforts of dedicated members:

The ESA Foundation Board of Directors has established the prestigious Robert & Dixie Palmer Recognition Program. This program is designed to honor individuals who are interested in assuring the progress of ESA through the ESA Foundation. It is appropriately named for Robert and Dixie Palmer, who served as an example for all persons to follow. Their sincerity, strength, wisdom, faithfulness, tolerance, and hard work served as a stabilizing factor for ESA. Dixie was the cohesive ingredient that helped members and leaders bring the organization through some very challenging times, emphasizing the quality gained through those testing periods. These attributes are necessary to further develop ESA and to utilize the ESA Foundation in attaining these goals. Those earning recognition as a Robert and Dixie Palmer will have attained the lofty goal of following the example of Robert and Dixie by demonstrating through their support the ideals of ESA.

The members of the ESA Foundation Board of Directors wish to express our sincere appreciation to the men and women who continually help in promoting the ESA Foundation and its many projects. This award has been established to honor those who have gone beyond the call of duty and assisted or helped in all areas of concern throughout the USA and the World. Think about that man or woman in your life or one who helps others without thought of reward. Now you can honor them by the presentation of the ESA Foundation Stewardship Award. This award can be started with $25 and finished as time and money permits.

CRITERIA:

1. Inaugural presentation - July 21, 1989. (Formerly limited to men, the Board opened this award to women in 2001.)
   
   
2. Donations in checks or cash totaling $500, donated in the name of the individual shall be specified to be counted toward the ESA Foundation Stewardship Award to further the work of the ESA Foundation.
   
   
3. The person to be recognized must be named at the time of the initial contribution. Should the individual be deceased at the time recognition is achieved, a designated person named by the donor may accept the presentation.
   
   
4. Amounts of $25 or more may be contributed at any one time. In the case of a memorial, any amount will be accepted.
   
   
5. Contributions may be made for the lifetime of the individual plus one year.
   
   
6. Presentations will be made at the ESA Foundation Annual meeting unless otherwise specified by the donor.
   
   
7. The award shall consist of a paperweight (or other appropriate gift befitting this high honor) with name of the recipient, date, and the ESA Foundation logo.
   
   
8. Contributions to the ESA Foundation Stewardship Award will be counted toward plateaus of achievement for total contributions.
   
   Funds received will be used to continue programs of the ESA Foundation as authorized by the Foundation Board of Directors, In accordance with the wishes of the membership.
   
   Honor that special steward for their help to you and the other people in all walks of life by starting a Stewardship Award in their name.
   
   NOTE: Donations should be made to the ESA Foundation, noting the name of the person on the contribution form and sent to the ESA Foundation Headquarters

ESA FOUNDATION STATE AWARD

Presented to the state contributing the most money to the ESA Foundation; includes contributions to all Foundation sponsored projects - Judy and Morton Lester Fellowship, Scholarships, ADAPT, memorial and honorarium donations, Dixie Palmer Lady, undesignated donations, etc. (DOES NOT INCLUDE TURN-AROUND FUNDS.)

ESA FOUNDATION CHAPTER AWARD

Presented to the chapter contributing the most money to the ESA Foundation; includes contributions to all Foundation sponsored projects - Judy and Morton Lester Fellowship, Scholarships, ADAPT, memorial and honorarium donations, Dixie Palmer Lady, undesignated donations, etc. (DOES NOT INCLUDE TURN-AROUND FUNDS.)

ESA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Presented to the state contributing the most money designated for the ESA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

ESA FOUNDATION STATE RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY AND STATE PROJECTS

Certificates presented to the top five (5) states processing the most Turn Around Funds (Grants) for community and state projects through the Foundation. These are for other than Foundation sponsored projects.

ESA FOUNDATION STATE COUNSELOR'S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

An award of excellence given annually to the State Counselor doing the most to promote the ESA Foundation in her state through letters, news articles, workshops, publicity, etc. When entering competition, copies of all activity (articles, letters, workshops, etc.) must be attached to the entry form and submitted to the Awards Committee through the State Counselors Director no later than June 1. Each entry must be accompanied by a letter of endorsement and recommendation from the State President of that Council.

ESA FOUNDATION H.O.P.E. Legacy Program

In 1999, the Board of Director's moved to establish a Planned Giving Program. In 2000 the HOPE Legacy program was established to honor those who give to the Foundation.

Definition of the Award: The Humanitarian Award shall be an award that recognizes the work of persons in communities throughout the United States and Australia that is devoted to the welfare of humanity.

1. perfecting the nature of mankind
   
   
2. aiding those less fortunate
   
   
3. eliminating the suffering and pain of others

Who qualifies for the Humanitarian award:

1. Any person who meets the description of Humanitarian as is shown in the definition of the award.
   
   
2. Any person who has never been a member of ESA and/or the ESA Foundation that is nominated by a member in good standing of the ESA Foundation. This may include a nomination from a member council and/or chapter, or an individual member in good standing of the ESA Foundation. The Board of Directors of the ESA Foundation may also submit a nomination for this award.

How does the nomination process work?

1. The member, council, or chapter making the nomination will fill out the form provided and submit it to the Chairman of the Board of the ESA Foundation.
   
   

   D O W N L O A D	YOU NEED THIS
   Nomination Form

   
   
   
2. The Chairman of the Board, assisted by the Advisory panel shall review the qualifications of the nominee to determine if all qualifications for the award are met. The Chairman shall notify the Board of Directors on the decision to award the honor.
   
   
3. The Chairman of the Board will then respond to the council, chapter, or individual with the Board's decision regarding the nominee along with all the necessary awards material.
   
   
4. The process should take approximately one month to process.
   
   
5. There is no limit to the number of Humanitarian Awards that may be awarded each year.

What the ESA Foundation will provide:

1. The ESA Foundation shall recognize the qualified person with the following: a. An appropriate awards certificate
   
   b. A letter of congratulations from the Chairman of the Board on behalf of the Board of Directors.
   
   c. A press release for use in the community where the award will be given.
   
   d. An ESA Foundation brochure in order that they know what organization is giving them recognition and what we do for the world community.
   
   
2. A small desk trophy which has "Humanitarian" inscribed on it will be available for purchase should the individuals giving the award wish to invest the money.

Who is responsible for the awards presentation:

1. The chapter, council, and/or member making the nomination shall be responsible for organizing and making the awards presentation. The Chairman of the Board will mail all materials to the party making the nomination should the individual be approved for the award. This may be in the form of: a. A written letter of recognition along with the awards certificate and letter from the ESA Foundation.
   
   b. A formal dinner for the purpose of recognizing the individual.
   
   c. A media event where the individual is recognized publicly.
   
   d. A state convention and/or council meeting.