Yavapai Humane Society’s (YHS) sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the first time that the YHS has earned this top distinction.
Since 2002, using data-driven analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added a second dimension of Accountability and Transparency (A&T) to its rating methodology, and now reviews 17 governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, providing information on its web site for each of the charities it evaluates. The A&T metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities have “best practices” that minimize the chance of unethical activities and whether they freely share basic information about their organization with their donors and other stakeholders.
YHS’ coveted 4-star rating puts it in a very select group of high-performing charities,” according to Ken Berger, President and CEO, Charity Navigator. “Out of the thousands of nonprofits Charity Navigator evaluates, only one out of four earns 4 stars—a rating that, now, with our new Accountability and Transparency metrics, demands even greater rigor, responsibility and commitment to openness. YHS’ supporters should feel much more confident that their hard-earned dollars are being used efficiently and responsibly when it acquires such a high rating.”
“In the current economic environment, it’s important our donors trust that we’re using our funding wisely to accomplish our mission to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of our community’s lost and homeless pets,” said Ed Boks, YHS executive director. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters that we take our fiduciary and governance responsibilities very seriously.”
YHS’ rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge onwww.charitynavigator.org. More-detailed information about YHS’ rating is available to Charity Navigator site visitors who become registered users, another free service.
The Yavapai Humane Society has been serving Yavapai County’s citizens and animals since 1972. YHS has a shelter in Prescott, a Cat Adoption Center in PetSmart, a Thrift Store and its Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic, offering low-cost spay/neuters and vaccinations. In July of 2010, the organization adopted a No-Kill Ethic which has led to its current live release rate of 97%, making YHS the safest shelter in Arizona. Connect with YHS at facebook.com/YavapaiHumaneSocietyor twitter.com/YavapaiHumane.
About Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org)
Charity Navigator is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of roughly 5,500 mid-to-large sized charities that garner roughly 50% of all private contributions made in the USA each year (not including houses of worship). Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America’s charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 201, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.
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