Charity Navigator and Similar Tools: How to Check a Nonprofit's Rating

To check a nonprofit's rating, search its exact name on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, CharityWatch, and Candid's GuideStar, then compare what each shows. Charity Navigator is a charity evaluator that rates eligible charities from zero to four stars. Each system answers a different question about governance, finances, results, or disclosure.

Checking two or three sources takes a few minutes and shows gaps a single score can hide.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.

How do Charity Navigator stars work?

Charity Navigator says it assigns eligible charities a zero-to-four-star rating from weighted metric scores on a 0-100 scale, as explained in its ratings methodology. A higher underlying score usually means stronger measured performance across its metrics. Charity Navigator says its Encompass system assesses four beacons: Accountability and Finance, Culture and Community, Impact and Results/Measurement, and Leadership and Adaptability.

Open each beacon to learn what helped or hurt the star rating.

What do BBB findings and CharityWatch grades add?

BBB Wise Giving Alliance says it evaluates publicly soliciting charities against 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, with results of met, not met, or unable to verify, listed on its standards page. Read the findings line by line instead of relying on a pass-fail impression. Give.org says charities that meet all 20 standards are called BBB Accredited Charities.

It also says it charges charities nothing for the assessment and publishes reports free. CharityWatch says it issues A+ to F grades using audited financials and IRS Form 990, including Program % and Cost to Raise $100, detailed in its rating process. It calls spending 75% or more on programs and $25 or less to raise $100 highly efficient.

How do you confirm tax status and disclosure?

The IRS says its Tax Exempt Organization Search shows tax-exempt status, Pub. 78 eligibility for deductible contributions, Form 990-series filings, and determination letters, as described on its search page. Check this before you assume a gift qualifies for a deduction.

A nonprofit guide from YPTC describes Candid's GuideStar as profiles plus a Bronze-to-Platinum Seal of Transparency based on information disclosed. Treat the seal as disclosure level, not proof of strong programs or low overhead. Small or new groups often lack a star rating or grade.

For them, IRS records plus disclosed documents may be all you find.

What is a fast check before you give?

The Federal Trade Commission advises donors to search the charity's exact name plus complaint, review, or scam, verify IRS status, inspect program claims, and cross-check BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, or Candid. It notes no single rating covers every small or new charity. Work through this order in about five minutes:

• Match exact name, location, and website to avoid look-alike groups.
• Compare star rating, grade, or BBB findings side by side.
• Open the IRS record and recent Form 990 for status and spending.
• Pause when program claims, addresses, or fundraising details do not line up.