United Way of Central Iowa has received the top rating—4 stars—from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the nation. The rating demonstrates United Way's strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. 

This is the 13th consecutive year United Way of Central Iowa has received this honor. Less than 1 percent of all charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have this record, indicating that United Way of Central Iowa outperforms most charities in the U.S.

"United Way of Central Iowa's exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” said Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds United Way of Central Iowa 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 United Way of Central Iowa.”

"It's important our donors trust that we're using their dollars to accomplish meaningful results in education, income and health. Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability," said Elisabeth Buck, President, United Way of Central Iowa.

Charity Navigator's data-driven analysis of the charitable sector influenced an estimated $10 billion in charitable gifts last year. Its rating system verifies non-profit organizations that are exceeding industry standards in non-profit best practices. 

Learn more about United Way of Central Iowa in the Charity Navigator report

In addition, United Way of Central Iowa received the Platinum Seal of Transparency, GuideStar's highest level of recognition. This level demonstrates that United Way of Central Iowa is focused on measuring progress and results and sharing that information with funders. Read the GuideStar report

About United Way of Central Iowa

United Way of Central Iowa fights for the health, education, and financial stability of all central Iowans. For over 100 years, United Way of Central Iowa has brought together nonprofits, businesses, government, community leaders, volunteers, and more to identify and tackle central Iowa’s toughest challenges. Focusing on issues such as early grade reading, poverty, mental and social health, high school graduation, and career training, United Way of Central Iowa inspires central Iowans to give, advocate, and volunteer to improve lives and empower all in our community. For more information about United Way of Central Iowa, visit www.unitedwaydm.org.

About Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a 501(c)(3) public charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations, and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America's charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.

Elisabeth Buck

Written by Elisabeth Buck

Elisabeth Buck is the former President of United Way of Central Iowa.