My Nonprofit Reviews
charles44562
Review for Charity Navigator, Saddle Brook, NJ, USA
Charity Navigator is good for what I use it for ... namely a quick reference to get a general idea about an organization . Mission statement, pie chart showing how your donations are distributed (ie 89% programs, 6% administrative, etc), and the CEO salary. CN is where I begin, but if I am going to donate, I go over their financials with a fine tooth comb using other resources such as Guidestar.org. On section 7 of the form 990, you can see all significant salaries paid to employees. I disagree with CN star rating system. To me, if CEO's and board members are making enough to buy one Ferrari per year, then it does not meet MY requirements . You need to find out what's important to you, and research, research, research.
Thank you for your commitment to informed giving and for your interest in Charity Navigator.\nI just wanted to point out two things:\n*You don't have to go to Guidestar to access the Form 990. We have them on our site for all of the 8,000+ charities we rate and the rest of the 1.4 million nonprofits. If it is a charity that we rate, just click on the "IRS" tab. And if it is a group we haven't rated, then you'll find the 990s at the bottom of the org's page on our site.\n*You are correct that we don't 'rate' a CEO's compensation. But we do disclose it on the charity's rating page. We also show if there are other staffers making interesting salaries (such as family or someone making more than the CEO) and if the CEO is getting additional compensation from affiliated organizations. \nAgain, we commend you for your commitment to responsible philanthropy and wish you all the best in your charitable endeavors.
