East Bay Community Foundation In Top 8% of Charities

OAKLAND, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when those engaged in philanthropy are demanding more bang for their buck, the East Bay Community Foundation has been awarded its fourth consecutive four-star financial rating from Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), the largest of the organizations that rates charities.

"We are proud to announce the East Bay Community Foundation has earned our fourth consecutive four-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances," wrote Charity Navigator President and Chief Executive Officer Ken Berger in a letter to Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer Nicole Taylor, announcing the award.

"Only 8% of the charities we rate have received at least four consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating the East Bay Community Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America," said Berger in his letter.  "This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates the East Bay Community Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of its trust."  

The Foundation provides philanthropic advice and services to the more than 500 individuals, families, corporations and other organizations holding more than $331 million in charitable funds under the Foundation's umbrella.  The Foundation and its donors made $47.67 million in grants during 2008-09.  

The Foundation also conducts research on community issues and focuses on advancing economic opportunity for adults and families in need and on ensuring very young children are successful in the education system so they have economic opportunity when they become adults.

"There are many studies and much anecdotal evidence indicating that those engaged in philanthropy now more than ever want to see evidence their money is used well and wisely," said Taylor.  "This is partly attributable to the difficult economy and partly to the pressure for the limited funds that are available to be used effectively.  It is extremely timely, then, that the East Bay Community Foundation is now in the top 8% of charitable organizations when it comes to fiscal responsibility.

"With the combined financial expertise we currently have on our Board of Directors and on our staff led by Chief Financial & Operations Officer Ted Liebst, our goal is a fifth consecutive four-star rating next year," said Taylor, who has been named to a number of lists of most influential women in the East Bay and the Bay Area.

Charity Navigator, based in Mahwah, New Jersey, says it "evaluates ten times more charities than its nearest competitor and attracts more visitors to its website than all other charity rating groups combined."  It examines and rates about 5,500 charitable organizations, largely on financial criteria.  

It uses financial information from IRS Forms 990 to analyze an organization's performance in seven categories that cover organizational efficiency, organizational capacity, and overall financial health.  Then it compares scores among organizations to assign a rating of one to four stars.  Four stars, the highest rating, is defined by Charity Navigator as "Exceptional…Exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause."

The East Bay Community Foundation (www.eastbaycf.org) connects community needs in Alameda and Contra Costa counties with individuals, families and organizations interested in charitable giving -- and acts as a catalyst for change through leading initiatives, through advocacy, and through partnerships with business, government, and private foundations.  Formed in 1928, the Foundation is a leading resource on charitable giving and community needs, stewarding more than 500 charitable funds and endowments.

Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) is the largest charity evaluator in America.  The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the financial health of over 5,500 charities. Charity Navigator is a 501 (c)(3) organization which accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations. Charity Navigator can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 1200 MacArthur Blvd , 2nd Floor, Mahwah , N.J. , 07430 .

SOURCE East Bay Community Foundation