Room to Read Earns Ninth Consecutive Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating

Charity Navigator, America's largest, most utilized, independent evaluator of charities, has once again awarded Room to Read the coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management, and commitment to accountability and transparency. This is the ninth year in a row Room to Read has received the award. Only 1% of the charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least 9 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Room to Read outperforms most other charities in America. According to Charity Navigator Founder and Board Chairman John P. Dugan, this “exceptional” designation differentiates Room to Read from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

As the nonprofit sector continues to experience unprecedented growth, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support. Receiving 4 out of a possible 4 stars indicates that Room to Read is capable of efficiently managing and growing its finances while adhering to good governance and other best practices that minimize the possibility of unethical activities. An overview of Room to Read’s performance metrics can be found on the organization’s Charity Navigator rating page.

Charity Navigator bases its rating analysis on a charity’s financial health, accountability and transparency. Room to Read has proudly maintained its 4-star rating for continuing to execute its mission in a fiscally responsible manner, with 83% of total expenses directed towards program costs. Rating 96 out of a possible 100 for accountability and transparency, Room to Read continues to adhere to sound business practices, such as conducting independent audits and publishing its financial records.

“This recognition underscores to our investors that their contributions are being used responsibly to champion the futures of the children we serve," says Shari Freedman, Room to Read’s Chief Financial Officer. “We will continue to bring systemic change to an increasing number of communities while honoring our commitment to sound fiscal management, ethical governance and transparency.”

Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger's Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled Charity Navigator's unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. Charity Navigator is the leading charity evaluator in America, evaluating ten times more charities than its nearest competitors. It is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced approximately $10 billion in charitable gifts.

Based on the exceptional number of positive reviews received, Room to Read has also been recognized as a “Top-Rated” nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. In addition, The Global Journal’s Top 100 Best NGOs ranked Room to Read in 2013 as one of the top three educational NGOs in the world.