Charity Navigator gives WUSTL 4 stars for 5th straight year

Dec. 5, 2005 -- A four-star rating from Charity Navigator — the largest independent charity evaluator in America — is the highest score possible.

For the fifth consecutive year, Washington University has received a four-star rating, based on an evaluation of two broad areas of financial health.

The first, organizational efficiency, measures a charity's fund-raising results against fund-raising, program and administrative expenses. The second, organizational capacity, measures how well the charity has sustained its programs and services over time, even in the face of significant economic challenges.

The four-star rating indicates that the University is committed to fiscal responsibility and sound management practices.

"Less than 12 percent of the (more than 4,000) charities we've rated have received at least two consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that Washington University in St. Louis outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible," said Trent Stamp, executive director of Charity Navigator. "This 'exceptional' rating from Charity Navigator differentiates Washington University in St. Louis from its peers and proves that it's worthy of the public's trust."

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said, "It is gratifying to be evaluated as a good steward of the gifts we are so fortunate to receive from our alumni and friends who choose to support Washington University. We appreciate their confidence in us, and I pledge that we will continue to use their investments in this university wisely."

According to David T. Blasingame, executive vice chancellor for alumni & development programs, the University received gifts totaling more than $120 million from donors during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.