A high rating on Charity Navigator can significantly impact a nonprofit’s credibility, attracting more donors and increasing funding opportunities.
Many donors use Charity Navigator to evaluate organizations before making a contribution, so having a strong score can be a game-changer for your nonprofit’s sustainability and growth. If your organization’s rating isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry—there are strategic steps you can take to improve it.
Charity Navigator assesses nonprofits in four key areas: Accountability & Transparency, Financial Health, Impact & Results, and Culture & Community Engagement. Strengthening your performance in these areas can help boost your score and showcase your nonprofit as a responsible and effective organization. Here’s how you can make meaningful changes in each category.
1. Strengthen Accountability & Transparency
Donors want to support organizations they can trust. Charity Navigator evaluates transparency by looking at governance practices, financial disclosures, and public availability of information. To improve your score:
Ensure your IRS Form 990, audited financials, and annual reports are publicly available.
List board members, leadership staff, and key policies on your website.
Implement a conflict of interest policy and ensure board independence.
2. Improve Financial Health
Your financial management directly affects your Charity Navigator rating. A strong financial position shows sustainability and efficiency in handling funds. Here’s how to optimize your finances:
Maintain a program expense ratio of 70% or higher (meaning at least 70% of total expenses go to programs rather than administration or fundraising).
Avoid deficits and ensure consistent revenue growth.
Keep fundraising and administrative costs at reasonable levels to demonstrate financial efficiency.
Establish a healthy operating reserve to cover unexpected challenges.
3. Showcase Impact & Results
A great nonprofit not only does good work but also measures and communicates its impact. Charity Navigator increasingly considers an organization’s ability to demonstrate effectiveness. Steps to take:
Develop clear, measurable goals for your programs.
Use third-party evaluations or internal assessments to show how your work makes a difference.
Publish an impact report on your website detailing success stories and measurable outcomes.
Align your evaluation methods with industry best practices.
4. Enhance Culture & Community Engagement
Charity Navigator looks at how well nonprofits engage their community, treat their employees, and encourage donor feedback. To improve in this area:
Share information about staff diversity, workplace culture, and leadership.
Encourage supporters and beneficiaries to leave reviews on sites like GuideStar and GreatNonprofits.
Actively engage with donors through social media, newsletters, and events.
Maintain transparency in your fundraising appeals and donor communications.
Final Thoughts
By prioritizing financial efficiency, transparency, measurable impact, and community engagement, your nonprofit can achieve a higher Charity Navigator score and, ultimately, build greater trust with donors and funders.
At Just Write Grants, we help nonprofits craft compelling narratives that showcase their impact and secure funding. Need assistance? Reach out today and let’s elevate your nonprofit’s success!