The world’s leading non-profit evaluator, Charity Navigator, has awarded the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi a second, consecutive four-star rating, the evaluator’s highest ranking. Only 13 other non-profit organizations in the state achieved this elite status.
Charity Navigator is a non-profit whose star rankings constitute the non-profit sector’s premier trust indicator. It empowers 11 million donors annually by providing free access to data, tools and resources to guide charitable decision- making.
“This recognition gives confidence to our donors that their charitable contributions are used effectively and efficiently,” said Community Foundation President Keith Fulcher. “We are proud to rank at the very top of the 1.5 million nonprofits evaluated by Charity Navigator.”
“The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi has granted $33 million since its founding in 2002 in order to aid more than 800 non-profit organizations that are making a difference in the quality of life in its 11 Northwest Mississippi counties,” said Community Foundation Past Chairman Lillian Morris-Hilson. “At the same time, the foundation has developed a solid asset base of more than $32 million—mostly endowments—to continue making a difference far into the future.”
“The foundation’s Board of Directors is pleased that Charity Navigator awarded us four-star ratings on both major components of its overall ranking,” said Community Foundation Board Chairman Colie Sanford. “We have worked hard to build a solid organization that makes the significant impacts envisioned by our donors. The Board thanks Tom Pittman for his twenty-year tenure leading the foundation that has resulted in this recognition.”
Charity Navigator based its ranking on the Community Foundation’s finances, accountability and transparency. It reviewed factors such as the foundation’s stability, efficiency, and sustainability, as well as its governance and integrity.
“This four-star ranking shows that we are well positioned for charitable donations as the Community Foundation continues to grow rapidly,” said the foundation’s Finance Chairman and Treasurer Danny Williams. “As Charity Navigator found, 94 percent of our expenses go straight to charitable programs. Our administrative and fundraising expenses are remarkably low.”
“Only 33% of the charities we evaluate have received at least two consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi outperforms most other charities in America,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”
CFNM President Keith Fulcher (left) presents CFNM CFO Carol Smith (middle) and CFNM Chairman of the Board Colie Sanford (right) with certificates commemorating Charity Navigator’s four-Star evaluation, the highest rating a nonprofit can receive. Visit https:/bit.ly/4Stars4CFNM to view the award presentation.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 240 donor-established funds. Established in 2002, with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall,
Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, and Tunica counties. A board of 19 volunteer civic leaders governs the Community Foundation. Learn more about the Community Foundation at www.cfnm.org or call 662.449.5002. Follow the Community Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/CFNM315, Twitter at @CFNM_2002, YouTube @CFNM2002, and Instagram @CFNM2002.
