My last few columns have shared what I can only describe as bad news. I devoted several columns to the serious unrestricted revenue shortfall we face for 2010 and two columns highlighted the lives of 43 JDC staff members who died in the line of service during our 95-year history, as well as our dedication of the Memorial Wall at JDC-Israel that will always keep their memories alive.
Today I bring you good news. As you know, both the Board and the staff pride themselves on the efficiency and effectiveness of JDC. We have numerous internal and external audits. Our programs are regularly evaluated and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to carry out our mission. This is just part of the JDC culture and we often take for granted that this is the way every philanthropic entity should operate.
Last week, we were very happy to receive the following letter which gives an impartial, third-party evaluation—and confirmation—of JDC’s transparency and highest level of fiscal responsibility.
On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee on achieving our coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management.
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. In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator, America's premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient charities such as your own, and provides donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.
Based on the most recent financial information available, we have calculated a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has earned our second consecutive 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 19% of the charities we rate have received at least 2 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.
Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger's Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled and celebrated our unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. We evaluate ten times more charities than our nearest competitor and currently attract more visitors to our website than all other charity rating groups combined, thus making us the leading charity evaluator in America. Our irrefutable data shows that users of our site gave more than they planned to before viewing our findings, and in fact, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts.
We believe our service will enhance your organization's fundraising and public relations efforts. Our favorable review of American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee's fiscal health will be visible on our website as of July 1st.
We wish you the best in all of your charitable endeavors.
Sincerely,
Ken Berger
President & Chief Executive Officer
Irv and I know that you all join us in kvelling just a little at this unique award. It speaks volumes about not only what we do, but also about who we are. And of course it reinforces our determination to always maintain the highest standards. In this vein, JDC’s staff and lay leadership will be working hard over the summer to prepare the 2010 budget.
We hope you have a wonderful summer.
Until next time,