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    How We Rate Charities

    Two objectives drive our approach to rating charities: helping donors and celebrating the work of charities. Drawing from a knowledge base of research, analysis, and constituent feedback, our team develops ratings that are both analytical and responsive to the data needs of our site users.


    We only rate 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations — these are US-based organizations commonly referred to as public charities that work all around the world. To receive an Encompass Rating, a charity must have three years of IRS Form 990 filings, which we receive directly from the IRS. For a complete Encompass Rating, charities must also submit data through the Charity Navigator Nonprofit Portal. We do not evaluate private foundations.

     

    Our site also includes basic information on charities that don't meet our rating eligibility criteria. Our goal is to give you as much information as possible to guide your giving decisions.

    Eligible charities receive a zero to four-star star rating — this is determined by the weighted sum of the organization’s individual beacon scores (0-100).

     

    RatingScoreAssessmentDescription
    Four-star rating90+GreatExceeds or meets best practices and industry standards across almost all evaluation areas included in the charity's rating.
    Three-star rating75 - 89GoodExceeds or meets best practices and industry standards across some evaluation areas included in the charity's rating.
    Two-star rating60 - 74Needs improvementMeets or nearly meets industry standards in a few evaluation areas included in the charity's rating and under performs most charities.
    One-star rating50 - 59PoorFails to meet industry standards in most evaluation areas included in the charity's rating and underperforms almost all charities.
    Zero star rating< 50Very poorPerforms below industry standards as reflected in the charity's rating and well underperforms nearly all charities.

    Providing Guidance Through Beacons

     

    Our Encompass Rating System™ provides a comprehensive analysis of charity performance across four key domains, which we call "beacons." Learn more about each beacon below.

     

    We continually evaluate and build upon out methodology to strengthen how we assess charity effectiveness and efficiency. Our work is informed by research and analysis, as well as ongoing input from donors, sector leaders, charity executives, academics, and other stakeholders. For full details on the methodology process, visit our Rating Methodology Guide.

    YOUR GUIDE TO INTELLIGENT GIVING

    Interested in seeing our evolution over time? Read our Release Notes to stay updated on improvements made to our website, rating criteria, and methodology.

    Use Our Ratings to Guide Your Giving

    Browse by cause area and apply filters to find highly rated charities working on the causes closest to your heart.

     

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