For the 14th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — 4-star — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.

The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only 1% of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 14 consecutive 4-star evaluations.

“We are honored to have been recognized and to be among the top 1% of charities evaluated,” said Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair John Germ. “Our donors can feel proud knowing that their gifts will allow them to make an impact in their communities and the world for years to come.”

The rating reflects Charity Navigator’s assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness.

A Glenville Rotarian is using his business closing as a way to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation. Bud Halsey is the owner of the Boat House in Niskayuna. He is closing the operation, located on the Mohawk River, near the Rexford Bridge, where he sells a wide range of kayak/canoe/crew accessories and water sports equipment.  Bud says he is selling everything, and all money raised will be donated to The Rotary Foundation. So, for you water sports enthusiasts, this is a great opportunity to help this fellow Rotarian sell down his inventory while at the same time making an investment in Rotary at the same time.  If you do visit, be sure to identify yourself as a Rotarian. The Boat House is located at 2855 Aqueduct Road. Phone: 518-393-5711.

For the 12th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating possible —  four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the United States.

The Foundation earned the recognition for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only one percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 12 consecutive four-star evaluations.

“Attaining a four-star rating verifies that The Rotary Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work”, says Michael Thatcher, president and chief executive officer of Charity Navigator. “This exceptional designation sets the Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”

The rating reflects Charity Navigator’s assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness.

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Several weeks ago, our club began a series of “working meetings” designed to better inform and involve SRC Rotarians in the workings of their club, a particularly important effort because we have welcomed so many new members over the past few years. (The next one will be the 7 a.m. Thursday breakfast session hosted by the Greenbush YMCA this week.)

Part of that has, of course, to do with the local finances that pay for the many public service initiatives we undertake on a regular basis. And, part of the financial information is what we are required to provide to Rotary International for the Rotary Foundation.

We often find that even veteran Rotarians are not entirely clear on the status, reach, and reputation of the Rotary Foundation. Here are a few salient points:

• In 2016, for the ninth consecutive year, the Foundation received the highest possible score — 100 of a possible 100 points — from Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency, a distinction only 1% of charities have attained.  (Charity Navigator is the leading independent evaluator of charities across the U.S.,)

• The Association of Fundraising Professionals likewise named the Foundation the World’s Outstanding Foundation for 2016, an award previously given to other familiar names such as Kellogg and MacArthur.

• Even the smallest of gifts to the Foundation can be donated to a specific fund –- a global grant, polio immunization, or an area of focus within the World Fund.

• In the 2015-16 Rotary Year, 91% of the money the Foundation spent went to programs and grants, with only 9 % of expenses going toward administration.

These are only a quick sampling of things you may want to know about the Foundation.  But, there is so much more. If you would like to know more you can educate yourself by clicking here.

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