NEADS’ 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. This is the 20^th consecutive year that NEADS has earned this distinction, making the organization one of the longest-standing nonprofits to hold the rating and placing it at the top of Charity Navigator’s Most Consecutive 4-Star Ratings list.

Charity Navigator evaluates more than 1.5 million nonprofits each year. Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 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.

“We are delighted to provide [Charity Name] with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “We are eager to see the good work that [Charity Name] is able to accomplish in the years ahead.” [Note: this quote must be used as is, with only necessary information added where there are placeholders. Any further amendments must be reviewed and approved by Charity Navigator in advance of a public release. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.]

“NEADS’ exceptional 4-star rating record sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating, and only several others have received 20 consecutive 4-star ratings. People can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support NEADS.”

“We are extremely proud to have received 20 consecutive 4-star Charity Navigator ratings – one of only several organizations with this recognition of ongoing fiscal excellence,” said NEADS CEO Gerry DeRoche. “This demonstration of our financial accountability and years-long commitment to good governance means our supporters and prospective donors can trust that we’re using their donations wisely to breed, raise, train, and match World Class Service Dogs with people who need them.”