The Community Assistance Center’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.  While CAC has qualified for this award for many years, this is the first time that it has earned this top distinction.

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology.  These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders.  On June 1, 2016, Charity Navigator upgraded their methodology for rating each charity’s’ financial health with CN 2.1. These enhancements further substantiates the financial health of four star charities. 

“The Community Assistance Center’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds CAC to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support CAC.” 

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to help our neighbors in a time of financial crisis,” said Pam Jones, CAC Development Director. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability.”

Those interested in donating to CAC can do so online at www.ourcac.org/donate-online. CAC’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.