Charity Navigator Awards American Humane Coveted Fourth Star for its Philanthropic Work to Help Animals

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Charity Navigator, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities, awarded a coveted fourth star ? its highest rating ? to American Humane, the country's first national humane organization. Charity Navigator's ratings show donors how efficiently they believe a charity will use their support, how well it has sustained its programs and services over time, and their level of commitment to good governance, best practices and openness.

This latest recognition is the latest in a long list of top honors for American Humane, which for 141 years has been dedicated to the protection of animals. The organization is among the less than one-tenth of one percent of charities currently operating in the United States to be included on the Better Business Bureau's highly select list of "Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charities." To make the list, organizations meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability, including rigorous protocols on governance and oversight, effectiveness, accuracy of solicitation and fund-raising materials, and finances, mandating that charities spend at least 65 percent of their total expenses on program activities. At American Humane, 91 cents of every dollar now spent goes directly to programs. 

In addition, American Humane has been named a "Top-Rated Charity" with an "A" rating by the American Institute of Philanthropy's CharityWatch, was deemed a "Top-Rated Charity" by Great Nonprofits, and earned the gold level seal from GuideStar USA for demonstrating its deep commitment to nonprofit transparency and accountability. American Humane was named the "Outstanding Animal Welfare Organization of the Year" by the Pet Philanthropy Circle, and has also earned the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. The seal is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the U.S. Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of all the charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than five percent meet or exceed these standards. Fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this seal.

"We are extremely gratified to earn Charity Navigator's prestigious four-star rating," said American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. "Today's donors are increasingly demanding efficiency, transparency and accountability to ensure that nonprofit organizations are providing vital, lifesaving services and serving as good stewards of valuable philanthropic dollars."

Since 1877, American Humane has been first to serve in the protection of the nation's most vulnerable, creating landmark programs that help ensure the humane treatment of some 1 billion animals each year. American Humane rescues thousands of animals caught in disasters and large-scale cruelty cases, and oversees the welfare of animals on farm and ranches, in film and television productions, and in the world's zoos and aquariums. In addition, American Humane works to bring home and reunite military dogs with their handlers and unleash the power of animal therapy to help veterans, as well as the families of children with cancer.

For more information about Charity Navigator's methodology and to see all their nonprofit ratings, please visit www.charitynavigator.org.

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

SOURCE American Humane