ANN ARBOR, MI — The United Way of Washtenaw County has been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent charity evaluator, for the fourth year in a row.
The United Way’s 4-star rating is based on the organization’s financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency, according to a news release. The rating system is based 50% on finance and 50% on accountability and transparency.
“We are an organization that’s for the community, by the community,” said Pam Smith, United Way of Washtenaw County president/CEO. “It’s really important in today’s world when people are giving to make sure they know we not only value their gift but we value them as people and value what they’re trying to do to make a change in our community, and that’s why we make sure everybody knows where our dollars go.”
United Way received a score of 95.49 out of 100, based on data from 2020, the most recent year published by the IRS. To see additional details of UWWC’s score breakdown, visit here.
Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating, according to the release. Charity Navigator added 17 metrics in 2011 that focus on governance and ethical practices, along with measures of openness. UWWC scored 100 on the accountability and transparency metrics.
“UWWC’s exceptional 4-star rating sets the organization apart from its peers and demonstrates their trustworthiness to the public,” Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator president/CEO, said in a statement. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds UWWC to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support UWWC.”
The 100-year-old organization is a relatively small nonprofit, but this award is a testament to the overall organization, its volunteers and its donors, Smith said.
“It’s always exciting for us to be recognized for the work my team does,” Smith said. “My team works incredibly hard and we hold ourselves to a higher standard and higher expectation. We set our goals high and we love it when we reach them.”
To view UWWC’s rating and other information regarding charitable giving, visit Charity Navigator’s website.
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