OCEAN — For the seventh year in a row, the North Carolina Coastal Federation has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator—the highest possible rating from the nonprofit evaluator.
According to Charity Navigator, this is a level of consistent excellence that only 7% of charities achieve. “Being one of the top environmental non-profits is something we take pride in and work hard at,” said Todd Miller, executive director of the federation. “This is a real reflection of the dedication by our staff and board whose commitment to running a fiscally sound organization is unmatched.”
Charity Navigator lists exceptional charities that execute their missions in a fiscally responsible way while adhering to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities.
In a recent letter to the federation, Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator explained, “Charity Navigator aims to accentuate the work of efficient and transparent organizations.” He also noted that, “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets North Carolina Coastal Federation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”
Charity Navigator is the largest independent evaluator of nonprofits in the United States. It annually rates nonprofits for their financial health, transparency and accountability.
“This exceptional rating lets donors know that they can trust the federation to be an excellent steward of their contributions – effectively putting their dollars to work to protect and restore our coast,” said Sarah King, the federation’s development director.
The rating reflects the federation’s fiscal efficiency in carrying out our goals and benchmarks even in times of COVID. Working with our many partners and supporters, the federation was also able to complete several remarkable accomplishments in 2020 including the removal of nearly 300 tons of marine debris from coastal waterways, construction of more than one mile of living shorelines, installation of rain gardens and porous parking stalls that soak in 4.5 million gallons of polluted stormwater runoff, restoration of 2,700 acres of coastal farmland that now hold back hundreds of millions of gallons of drainage and the construction of over an acre of new oyster reef.
“To celebrate this exceptional rating, we invite people who love the coast to show their love this Valentine’s Day by adopting an oyster for themselves or for a friend,” said King. “This is a fun way to support the coast you love and also connect with a friend this spring.” Visit nccoast.org/MyOyster to learn more.
