U.S. Fund for UNICEF receives fifth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and meets Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance standards for charity accountability
U.S. Fund for UNICEF among elite 4 percent to receive distinguished honor from Charity Navigator
NEW YORK (May 5, 2009) – The U.S. Fund for UNICEF today announced it has received the highest recognition possible from Charity Navigator and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, two of the most respected evaluators of charities and non-profits in the nation.
"As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support with their hard earned dollars," said Ken Berger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charity Navigator. "This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates U.S. Fund for UNICEF from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."
This year marks the fifth consecutive year Charity Navigator has honored the U.S. Fund for UNICEF with a 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF was given the highest possible ranking among charities indicating that the organization consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in the United States.
"These rankings will bolster donor confidence in turbulent economic times and help UNICEF in its mission to reduce the number of preventable childhood deaths to zero," said Edward Lloyd, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "We believe it is our responsibility to use every dollar received wisely. Ninety percent of total contributions go directly toward the mission of our organization, including program services and educating the public."
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF also received the BBB Wise Giving Alliance seal of recognition which demonstrates the Fund’s commitment to accountability and ethical practices.
"National charities that display the BBB Wise Giving Alliance seal can do so with pride," says Art Taylor, President and CEO of the Alliance. "Not only are they attesting to their organizations' adherence to sound standards, they are helping to increase donor confidence and strengthen public trust in giving."
For the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s full evaluation summary, please visit http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4617 or http://www.unicefusa.org/donate/give-with-confidence.html
About UNICEF
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world’s leading international children’s organization, working in over 150 countries to address the ongoing problems that contribute to child mortality. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions of children die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicefusa.org.
About Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization guides intelligent giving by evaluating the financial health of over 5,000 charities. Charity Navigator is a 501 (c)(3) organization which accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations. Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 1200 MacArthur Blvd, 2nd Floor, Mahwah, N.J. , 07430
About Better Business Bureau (BBB)
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports™ and charity BBB Wise Giving Reports™, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
For additional information, please contact:
Richard Alleyne, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9177, ralleyne@unicefusa.org
