CHF International Earns Third Consecutive Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator

SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Based on transparency, accountability, and effectiveness, CHF International has been awarded Charity Navigator's coveted Four Star rating, the highest ranking for nonprofits, for the third consecutive year. Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating each year the financial health of over 5,500 of America's largest charities.

"At Charity Navigator we examine two broad areas of a charity's financial health - how responsibly it functions day to day as well as how well positioned it is to sustain its programs over time - and assign an overall rating, ranging from zero to four stars.  We have recently added a new dimension to our rating system which includes a review of each charity's commitment to accountability and transparency," said Sandra Miniutti, VP & CFO of Charity Navigator.  "Not only does CHF International excel in terms of its financial performance, but it also has a strong commitment to being accountable and transparent."  

"At CHF we are focused on making sure that our work, each and every day, directly impacts the communities in which we are assisting," said David A. Weiss, CEO of CHF International.  "We are confident that our donors and supporters know that no matter where in the world we are implementing projects, CHF has a proven track record and is dedicated to providing sustainable development with a community-based approach."

Within each program around the globe, CHF works to embody accountability and transparency at every level through regular status reports, open communication with partners, and responsibility to donors and supporters.  

"Across the world, the central pillar of our work is our participatory approach. In every project we undertake, community members are involved at every step, from prioritization of needs through to implementation and final sign off – this is central to creating sustainable development and getting the best value for both the community and the donor," explained Weiss.  Currently, CHF has around 90 programs in 28 countries.  Programs include, for example, rubble removal and shelter construction in Haiti, microfinance in the West Bank and Iraq, and supporting entrepreneurship in Liberia.  

"With less to give because of the recession, donors more than ever want to ensure that they get the biggest bang for their charitable buck. They can take comfort in knowing that CHF International has devoted no less than 91% of its budget towards it programs and services in recent years," stated Miniutti.  "We commend CHF International for its strong financial performance and have awarded it three consecutive 4-star ratings."

ABOUT CHF INTERNATIONAL

CHF International is an international development organization founded in 1952 that works in post-conflict, unstable and developing countries. We partner with communities around the world to help them to improve and direct their lives and livelihoods. We believe that the people best suited to decide what a community needs are the people of the community itself. CHF is a politically neutral, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.chfinternational.org.

SOURCE CHF International